A man was struck and killed by a train Sunday evening while walking along the railroad tracks near San Pedro Springs Park, according to San Antonio police. The southbound train was heading toward the W. Craig Place crossing when the conductor spotted the man on the rails, sounded the horn and tried to stop, but could not avoid the collision. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been publicly identified. Police have opened an investigation into the deadly incident.
What police say
San Antonio police told reporters the victim had been walking on the tracks as a southbound train approached the W. Craig Place crossing. The conductor reported seeing the man "swaying on the tracks," then sounding the horn and attempting to brake, but the train was unable to stop in time, as reported by KSAT. The man was pronounced dead where he was found, police said. His name has not been released, and investigators are working to determine what led up to the crash.
Where it happened
The collision happened at the W. Craig Place railroad crossing next to San Pedro Springs Park on the city’s North Side. San Pedro Springs Park is one of San Antonio’s oldest public parks and is listed as 1315 San Pedro Ave in the city’s parks directory, per the City of San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department. The close proximity of the tracks to a popular park highlights how risky it is when people enter rail right-of-way.
Rail safety reminder
Safety advocates point out that walking on or near train tracks is both illegal trespassing and extremely dangerous, in part because trains cannot stop quickly. Across the country, trespass and crossing incidents make up a significant share of rail-related deaths. People are urged to treat tracks as active at all times, cross only at designated crossings, and stay off the rails entirely, according to Operation Lifesaver.
What to expect
Authorities have not released further information about the victim or details about the train involved. The investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing, and local reporters say the case is still developing. Initial coverage of the incident was provided by KSAT, which continues to track updates from police.
