December 27, 2024 - TRA Newswire -

The National Transportation Safety Board will determine why a tractor-trailer stopped on train tracks right before a deadly crash in the West Texas city of Pecos.

The NTSB did release preliminary information showing that the tractor-trailer lowboy was on the active track for over a minute before being struck by a Union Pacific train.

The December 18 incident claimed the lives of the engineer and conductor on the train and resulted in the derailment of the four lead locomotives and 25 intermodal cars.

UP issued a statement and said "we are saddened by the loss of two Union Pacific family members in Pecos, Texas, and extend out deepest sympathies to their families and the employees who worked alongside them. We are investigating as we cooperate with local first responders."

This recent tragedy highlights the need for the state of Texas to increase funding for at-grade crossing safety improvements and expand participation in federal rail grants to make rail crossings safer in congested areas. The Texas Department of Transportation does not have a yearly state appropriation to make grade crossing improvements and must relay on a federal rail grant of about $20 million a year for statewide projects, barely enough for one new overpass at a rail crossing. 

The wide-load truck , attached to a hydraulic platform trailer, was operated by Boss Heavy Haul LLC, according to the NTSB. It was preceded by a lead truck with flashing lights as required by state law. The trailer was not able to clear the tracks at the intersection of U.S. 285 and Cedar Street.  Video of the accident shows the cab of the truck clearing the crossing but the heavy equipment load did not. The investigation will focus on that and other factors.

Warning devices did activate and the gate lowered and struck the truck before the westbound UP train collided with the trailer carrying heavy equipment. The nearby Chamber of Commerce building suffered damage from the derailment and several people suffered injuries.

Jason Brady, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications for BOSS Heavy Haul, LLC, said "As a company that prioritizes safety above all else, the company is committed to working closely with the NTSB, railroad officials, the community of Pecos and others on the ground to assist with the investigation in any way we can.”

The incident recorder aboard the lead locomotive was recovered and sent to the NTSB materials lab in Washington, D.C. The train crew was able to apply emergency braking at 68 mile per hour before impact. The track in that section was rated for 70 mph.

The NTSB investigation can last for 12-24 months before a final report is issued. The accident number is RRD25FR005.  

Photo credit: Trains Magazine