For the second time this year, an Amtrak train has collided with a commercial truck at a crossing in Liberty County, Texas.
Sunset Limited Hit Truck West of Dayton
About 90 people were aboard Amtrak’s Sunset Limited when it slammed into the truck at a crossing along CR-621, just north of FM-1960 and west of Dayton.
Two people, including the cement truck driver, were injured in the crash. So far, authorities have not released the victims’ identities or commented on the nature of their injuries. However, it does not appear they were life-threatening.
“There were no injuries aboard the train to our customers or our crew,” Amtrak officials told KPRC 2. “Train 2 has 2 locomotives, the lead locomotive which made contact with this vehicle suffered some damage, we will leave it behind at a side track and continue on to New Orleans after this lengthy delay.”
Liberty County Amtrak Crash Injured 18 in August
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passenger train runs three weekly trips between Los Angeles, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. Yesterday’s crash came less than six months after the Sunset Limited struck an 18-wheeler at another uncontrolled crossing along CR-621.
The force of that collision actually split the truck in half and sent 18 people to Dayton Regional Medical Center. Those living nearby did not hear a horn sound before the August 31st crash.
“My heart dropped. I can tell you that my heart dropped,” one resident told ABC13 at the time. “I thought the train came off the tracks and was going to hit the house.”
Railroad Crossing Accidents Killed Over 260 in 2018
According to the Federal Railroad Commission, there were more than 2,217 collisions at railroad crossings in 2018. Those crashes tragically killed 262 people and injured 840 others.
The occupants of passenger vehicles are 40-times more likely to be killed in a train collision compared to a typical car crash. For that reason, it’s important to proceed with caution when approaching any railroad crossing:
- Reduce speed and look both ways before crossing.
- Turn down the radio and listen for a train.
- Stop when red lights are flashing or if crossing arms have been lowered.
- Never stop on the tracks, as a train going 50 miles per hour needs a mile and a half to stop.
- If a crossing includes multiple tracks, be sure all are clear before proceeding.
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.
Undefeated Train Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here for a Free Consult
Our Undefeated Train Accident Lawyers are investigating the latest Amtrak crash in Liberty County, Texas, and will post an update if new information becomes available.
In addition to being Undefeated, our Houston Personal Injury Lawyers have won billions for thousands of accident victims across Texas, Louisiana, and throughout the United States against the largest transportation companies in the world.
If you or a loved one were hurt in connection with the Liberty County Amtrak accident, call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
During your consultation, our attorneys will answer your questions, explain your rights, and ensure you have the information to make the right decisions for yourself, and your family.
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