A deadly collision between a train and a dump truck claimed one life and left two others injured early Wednesday morning in Fort Bend County, Texas.
Dump Truck Driver Killed, Two Train Operators Injured in Fiery Crash
The crash occurred around 6:47 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at the intersection of FM 2759 and Nelson Lane near Richmond. According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, a dump truck pulled onto the tracks at Nelson Lane and was struck by an oncoming train.
The force of the impact tore the cab from the truck’s trailer and sent it crashing off the tracks, coming to rest along the roadside. Sparks from the wreckage reportedly ignited multiple small fires along the railway.
The driver of the dump truck was pronounced dead at the scene. Two crew members aboard the train were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries.
Investigation Now Underway Into Cause of Fatal Truck and Tain Collision
Authorities have launched an investigation into what led the dump truck to pull onto the tracks as a train approached. Officials are examining whether road conditions, visibility, or the lack of crossing signals may have contributed to the fatal crash.
Nelson Lane is a dirt road. Although marked with a railroad crossing sign, the crash site had no stop sign, traffic light, or crossing arms to warn of oncoming trains.
In the hours following the collision, multiple dump trucks and work vehicles were seen operating in the area, suggesting ongoing industrial or construction activity nearby. However, authorities have not yet confirmed where the dump truck was headed at the time of the crash.
Common Causes of Railroad Crossing Accidents
Unfortunately, Texas is one of the deadliest states when it comes to railroad crossing accidents. More than 12,000 of these accidents have occured statewide over the last ten years. In 2022 and 2023 alone, there were 37 fatalities and 158 injuries at highway-railway crossings across the state.
While Texas law prohibits drivers from crossing tracks when a train is approaching or driving around lowered gates, nearly half of all crossing accidents in Texas occur at locations without lights, gates, or other active warning systems.
Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Inadequate training
- Poor road or rail conditions
- Limited visibility due to vegetation or poor lighting
- Lack of proper signage or warning systems
- Distracted or fatigued driving
Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
In our experience, most train and large truck collisions are entirely preventable—and are often the result of corporate negligence, where safety takes a backseat to speed and profit.
In 2024, we proudly filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad on behalf of a family who tragically lost their teenage son in a preventable accident in Harris County, where he was simply walking home from school.
We understand the devastating impact such losses have on families, and our commitment is unwavering: to stand up, fight, and win against powerful corporate interests that cause harm. That’s why we don’t just pursue justice—we refuse to back down until we’ve secured the largest, record-setting verdicts and settlements in history.
Houston Railroad Crossing Injury Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
Our undefeated Houston Personal Injury Lawyers are investigating the deadly train crash in Fort Bend County and will post an update if new information becomes available.
Having won Billions for accident victims in Texas and across the United States, our attorneys have the resources and knowledge to go up against the largest transportation companies in the world and ensure our clients and their families are fully compensated for all of their injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one were hurt due to a train crash or railroad crossing accident, call us for a free consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email via our Contact Us form.
We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and ensure you have the information to make the right decisions for yourself and your family.
The consultation is free, and you’ll pay nothing unless we win your case.