Yesterday afternoon's delivery in rural Hill County turned violent when a Union Pacific freight train struck a FedEx truck at a country crossing north of Itasca, leaving the truck’s driver and a passenger in critical condition. A first responder also had to be treated after suffering a heat-related emergency while crews worked the scene.
According to NBC DFW, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were called to the crossing near State Highway 81 and County Road 4148 around 2 p.m. Investigators told the outlet the FedEx truck was hit while crossing the tracks. The two people in the truck were taken to area hospitals in critical condition, and Union Pacific said the train crew was not injured.
Rural Crossings Remain A Persistent Hazard
Crashes at rural grade crossings continue to be a stubborn safety problem, often tied to a mix of limited warning devices and risky driver decisions. Grade-crossing collisions have ticked up in recent years, and together with trespassing incidents they account for the vast majority of rail-related deaths, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
Investigators Working The Scene
Local and state troopers, Hill County first responders and Union Pacific crews converged on the crossing to secure the area and begin sorting out exactly what went wrong. As NBC DFW reports, investigators are expected to examine the crossing signals, the FedEx truck’s approach and its position on the tracks as they work to determine the cause. The incident remains under investigation.
Federal Officials Repeat Safety Reminders
Federal rail officials have long warned that human behavior is often the deciding factor in crashes at crossings. Drivers are urged to never try to beat a train or go around lowered gates, no matter how clear the tracks may look. The Federal Railroad Administration says it has prioritized funding, public outreach and infrastructure upgrades to close or improve high-risk crossings and reduce these collisions.
Authorities have not released the names of the people who were hurt or additional details on their conditions. This story will be updated if public agencies release more information.
