Two Killed and Three Injured in Texas After Massive Union Pacific Train Collision and Derailment with Tractor Trailer
(Pecos, Texas – December 18, 2024)
Two people have been killed, and three others hospitalized after a Union Pacific train derailed after striking a tractor-trailer at a crossing in Pecos, Texas yesterday evening. The derailed Union Pacific train subsequently crashed into the Pecos Chamber of Commerce Building, which was situated nearby. According to city officials, the collision occurred at around 5 pm and was reported near Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street.
In a statement made by the Pecos City Manager, Charles Lino, he confirmed that there was one reported fatality, and four other individuals injured during the accident. It is unknown at this time where exactly the victims were at the time of the collision. Of the four individuals injured in the accident, three were treated locally at Reeves Regional Health, while one victim was transported to a hospital in Odessa, Texas, having sustained more severe injuries. Public officials have yet to announce the identities of any of the victims or the status of those hospitalized. The City Manager also announced in his statement that three of the Union Pacific train cars had been hauling hazardous materials, but that none of the cars had been damaged in the collision and the only breach was of diesel from the train engine, which has been contained.
Based on a video taken by a witness and posted by USA Today, it appears that the tractor-trailer involved in the accident was driving west across the tracks while hauling an oversized load before the vehicle become high-centered or stuck on the railroad crossing and was subsequently struck by the westbound Union Pacific train. However, this has yet to be confirmed by investigators as the official cause of the collision.
According to Union Pacific submitted data, the railroad crossing where this collision took place is located on US Highway 285/Cedar Street and sees a daily average of 20 trains traveling at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. There have been at least two prior collisions at this crossing, with the most recent occurring in October of 2019, which also involved a truck-trailer.
The investigation of this derailment is ongoing.
