Train Crashes into Trailer Hauling Compact Track Loader in Texas (Video)
The truck hauling the CTL was parked in the middle of the tracks, with the crossing arm resting on top of the loader, as seen...
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A Trinity Express Train collided with a truck and trailer hauling a Sunbelt Rentals compact track loader in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 2, as seen in a video posted to the Dallas Texas TV Instagram page.
The Ford truck hauling the loader did not pull all the way across the tracks, leaving the trailer in the direct path of the train. The crossing arms are seen resting on top of the loader.
Nearby vehicles are heard honking their horns in an attempt to alert the driver. Other drivers are seen backing up to avoid the imminent collision.
The driver of the truck eventually pulled forward, but it was too late to avoid being hit by the oncoming train. The trailer was cleanly separated from the truck, and it appears that no one was injured as a result of the incident. The truck also appeared to have limited damage.
Most commenters placed the fault on the truck driver, with one saying, “I’m glad somebody was recording. That poor conductor was probably terrified. It could’ve exploded or anything. Passengers had to brace themselves for impact. That’s terrible. The driver of the truck should be responsible for anything that was damaged or anybody that was injured by the impact.”
"Never seen a less concerned person moving as slowly as possible to clear the tracks," added another.
According to preliminary 2023 Federal Railroad Administration statistics, Texas had the highest number of train collisions of any state, with 246 in 2023. In total, 2,192 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in 2023, resulting in 248 crossing fatalities and 765 crossing injuries across the U.S.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following steps for navigating train crossings:
- Stop, look both ways, and listen. Know that trains always have the right of way.
- Don’t stop on the tracks. Make sure you have room to get across. Once you enter the crossing, keep moving.
- Stop 15 feet away from flashing red lights, lowered gates, a signaling flagman or a stop sign.
- Never drive around a lowering gate or ignore signals.
- After a train passes, wait for the gates to fully rise and for all lights to stop flashing before you cross.
- Never assume that there is only one train coming from a single direction.
- If your car stalls on a track, quickly get everyone out — even if you don’t see a train coming. Run away from the tracks and your car to avoid being hit by flying debris. Call the number on the blue emergency notification system sign. If the sign is not visible to you, call 911.
