A trucker died tragically early yesterday morning when his 18-wheeler was struck by a train at a railroad crossing near Huffman, Texas.
Kansas City Southern Train Approached as 18-Wheeler Waited in Traffic
The September 8th accident occurred just after 7:00 a.m. at Farm-to-Market Road 2100 and Farm-to-Market Road 1960 in northeast Harris County, about 30 miles outside of Houston. According to the Harris County Sherriff’s Office, the 18-wheeler was headed north on FM 2100 but was parked on the tracks, in line with other vehicles, and waiting for traffic in the moments before the crash.
The Kansas City Southern Train was traveling east and hit the truck’s cab, pushing it about 30 feet down the tracks and igniting a fire.
“I saw a big fire and heard a big noise. That’s it,” a witness told ABC-13. “I saw the train go through the big fire. That’s all I saw.”
Truck Drive Confirmed Dead at Crash Scene
The unidentified 18-wheeler driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although the semi-truck wasn’t transporting any chemicals, diesel fuel spilled from the vehicle, and a hazmat crew was deployed to the area. FM 1600 was closed for hours to facilitate the cleanup.
“They will be separating the trains in a little bit, I’m assuming to check the integrity of the tracks and also to do the hazmat cleanup,” Captain Anthony McConnell told ABC-13.
Texas Worst State for Railroad Crossing Accidents
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Texas experienced 1,123 railroad crossing accidents from 2014 to 2018 – more than any other state in the nation and the only one to exceed 1,000 crashes during that period.
In 2020 alone, Texas reported 191 railroad crossing crashes that resulted in 67 deaths, the highest totals in the country.
Texas law requires motorists to yield the right of way to trains, and it’s illegal to cross tracks when a train is visible or to drive around lowered gates. However, about half of the railroad crossing accidents that occur each year in the United States involve sites that lack lights, gates, or other warning devices.
How to Avoid a Dangerous Train Confrontation
Vehicle occupants are about 40-times more likely to suffer fatal injuries when hit by a train than in a typical traffic accident. To avoid a confrontation with a train, the Texas Railroad Commission urges drivers to:
- Remember that any time is train time.
- Slow down when approaching a railroad crossing and look both ways—TWICE!
- Never race a train to cross the tracks.
- Never pass another vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
- Watch out for school buses, trucks hauling hazardous materials, and other vehicles that MUST stop at railroad crossings.
- When approaching a crossing, roll down your windows, turn off the radio or air conditioner, and listen for whistles or bells
- Always yield to flashing lights, whistles, closing gates, crossbucks, or stop signs.
- Never shift gears on the railroad crossing; downshift before you reach it.
- Maintain a distance of 15 to 50 feet from the tracks if you must stop,
- Make sure kids know that the railroad is never a place to play, walk, run, bike ride, or use as a shortcut.
- Don’t fish from railroad bridges.
- Always cross the tracks at the designated railroad crossing or pedestrian crossing.
- Only use the crossing if you’re sure your vehicle is high enough to completely clear the railroad crossing without stopping.
- A train is always moving faster and is much closer than you think. Don’t be fooled by the optical illusion!
Undefeated Train Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Train Accident Lawyers are investigating the deadly Kansas City Southern railroad crossing crash in Huffman, Texas, and will post an update if new information becomes available.
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