PECOS, Texas — Federal authorities are looking into a tragic incident in West Texas where a Union Pacific train collided with a tractor-trailer carrying heavy machinery. Investigators are focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the tractor-trailer being stationary on the tracks, which resulted in the crash that derailed the train and sent the heavy load airborne.
On Wednesday, the collision took place at a railway crossing in Pecos, claiming the lives of two employees from Union Pacific, a company based in Omaha, Nebraska. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the tractor-trailer had been situated on the tracks for approximately one minute before the crash occurred.
The train was reportedly traveling at a speed of around 68 mph (109 kph) before the crew initiated emergency braking in an attempt to avert the collision, according to the NTSB. The impact was significant enough to launch the heavy equipment into a nearby structure.
The building that suffered damage was identified as the Chamber of Commerce, and officials from Reeves County indicated that some individuals inside the building sustained injuries as a result. However, the Pecos police chief confirmed that all three injuries related to the crash were minor in nature.
Additionally, the NTSB has announced that a data recorder retrieved from the crash site is being sent to their laboratory for further examination, which could provide crucial insights into the incident.