On August 2, a Trinity Express Train collided with a truck and trailer carrying a compact track loader in Fort Worth, Texas. A video of the incident was shared on the Dallas Texas TV Instagram page.
The Ford truck did not fully clear the tracks, leaving the trailer in the path of the train, with crossing arms resting on top of the loader. Nearby vehicles honked their horns in an attempt to alert the driver, and some backed up to avoid the collision.
Despite the warnings, the truck driver only managed to pull forward at the last moment, resulting in the train hitting the trailer. The impact separated the trailer from the truck, but no injuries were reported. The truck sustained minimal damage. The incident prompted many commenters to blame the truck driver, highlighting the fear the train conductor and passengers must have experienced.
Trinity Express Train Collides with Truck and Trailer in Fort Worth, Texas
Commenters expressed their frustration with the truck driver’s apparent lack of urgency in clearing the tracks. One noted the driver’s slow response and called for accountability for any damages or injuries resulting from the collision. The incident highlights ongoing issues with train collisions in Texas, which recorded the highest number of such incidents in 2023.
Statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration revealed that Texas had 246 train collisions in 2023, the most of any state. Nationwide, there were 2,192 highway-rail grade crossing collisions, leading to 248 fatalities and 765 injuries. These figures underscore the importance of safe practices at train crossings to prevent similar accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides guidelines for safely navigating train crossings. Key recommendations include stopping and looking both ways, not stopping on the tracks, ensuring there is enough space to cross, and never ignoring signals or crossing gates.
Additionally, if a vehicle stalls on the tracks, drivers and passengers should evacuate immediately and call for emergency assistance. These precautions are vital for reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring public safety at rail crossings.
