Texas Accident & Injury News
Sept. 16, 2021: HUFFMAN, Texas (KTRK) — The driver of an 18-wheeler died Wednesday, Sept. 8 in the morning when a Kanas City Southern train crashed into the big rig at a busy northeast Harris County railroad crossing. The crash happened just after 7 a.m. at FM 2100 and FM 1960. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that the driver of the semi-truck was killed in the incident.
Video from the crash showed the train stopped on the tracks. Harris County sheriff’s deputies said the cab of the semi-truck was on the tracks when it was hit by the train, which then pushed it about 30 feet down the tracks. Deputies said the truck was headed northbound on FM 2100 and the train was headed east on the tracks before the crash.
A man who works at a nearby gas station said he heard the collision and saw a fire ignite. “I saw a big fire and heard a big noise. That’s it,” the witness said. “I saw the train go through the big fire. That’s all I saw.”
Investigators say the crash also caused a hazmat situation due to a large fuel spill from the semi-truck and cleanup took up to 6 hours while keeping FM 2100 closed.
Railroad Crossing Safety
Your chance of surviving a collision with a train is significantly less than with another car. Don’t risk your life!
Follow caution when approaching any railroad crossings and follow these safety tips and the law.
- Remember, trains take longer than cars to stop.
- Reduce your speed when approaching crossings and look both ways.
- Look and listen for trains even if the red lights and crossing arms aren’t active.
- Reduce speed when approaching crossings and look both ways.
- Be sure all tracks are clear before crossing — there may be more than one set.
- If red lights are flashing or if crossing arms have been lowered, stop: DO NOT CROSS!
- Never stop on the tracks.
- If your vehicle breaks down on the tracks, get out and dial 9-1-1.
Know the law
- Texas law requires drivers to yield the right of way to trains.
- It is against the law to cross tracks if a train is visible or to drive around gates that have been lowered at a railroad crossing.
- If the crossing arms are lowered and no train is coming, the road is closed.
Carabin Shaw is a local Texas personal injury law firm representing accident victims and their families in cases stemming from all types of motor vehicle accidents. The firm’s personal injury and wrongful death lawyers have provided accident victims with high-quality legal representation for more than 30 years. Carabin Shaw has recovered more than $1 billion on behalf accident victims and their families. The firm’s attorneys understand that this is an extremely challenging time and do everything they can to make the process as straightforward as possible, while always maintaining a focus on obtaining full and fair compensation for each of their clients. Carabin Shaw represents clients in San Antonio and throughout Texas and offers all prospective clients a free consultation.
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