The community at Milby High School in Houston is mourning the loss of 15-year-old student Sergio Rodriguez, who was killed in a train accident while on his way to school. Following the incident, his family has filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad, alleging negligence and wrongful death. As reported by ABC13, the accident occurred Monday morning when Rodriguez attempted to cross the tracks and was struck by a slow-moving train just before the lowered safety gates.
Rodriguez's family has filed a lawsuit, alleging that Union Pacific failed to sound the train's horn and take necessary precautions to prevent the collision. The lawsuit seeks compensation exceeding one million dollars and calls for operational changes, as well as the implementation of pedestrian safety infrastructure. "Money isn't a consolation, but it is our only source of justice in America," attorney Ryan Zehl stated, as per the ABC13 interview. In light of the legal action, Houston's elected officials have echoed calls for Union Pacific to share in the financial burden of creating safer crossings, such as a pedestrian bridge, thereby enhancing neighborhood safety.
Union Pacific has released a statement regarding the fatal accident, claiming that the teenager "made a tragic decision to try and outrun a moving train." Click2Houston reports that HISD had witnesses saying Sergio tripped on the track in his attempt to cross, contrary to the train operator's account. The train was traveling at a slow pace and the safety arms were down, indicating an proceeded crossing should not have occurred, adding to the complexity of this heartbreaking event.
The legal process may take years, potentially delaying any changes to the safety measures at the crossing. However, Rodriguez's family and community leaders are advocating for changes to improve safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. "They want change for a whole neighborhood that feels like they have been disenfranchised," attorney Richard Nava told ABC13.
