A tragic train derailment in Pecos, Texas, on Wednesday, December 18th, resulted in the loss of two lives and left three others injured. The incident occurred near the intersection of Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street when a train collided with a tractor-trailer, causing the train to derail and crash into the nearby Chamber of Commerce building.
Two Union Pacific Employees Confirmed Dead
Pecos City Manager Charles Lino confirmed the two fatalities during a press conference on Thursday, December 19th. Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango later identified the victims as veteran employees of Union Pacific Railroad who were on duty aboard the train at the time of the collision. Their names have been withheld pending notification of their families. Chief Tarango expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the Union Pacific Railroad community, emphasizing the profound impact of this loss.
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The image depicts the devastating aftermath of the train derailment in Pecos, Texas, showing wreckage strewn across the area.
Three Individuals Sustain Minor Injuries
While the accident claimed two lives, three other individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident. Chief Tarango confirmed that all three injured individuals received medical treatment and have since been released from the hospital. The relatively minor nature of their injuries offers a small measure of solace amidst the tragedy.
Hazardous Materials Onboard, But No Leakage Reported
Reeves County Emergency Services Chief Ronald Lee reported that some of the injured individuals were inside the Chamber of Commerce building when the train struck. The impact caused significant structural damage to the building, prompting authorities to restrict access until a thorough engineering assessment can be conducted. Chief Lee also disclosed that the train was carrying hazardous materials, including lithium-ion batteries and vehicle airbags. However, he confirmed that none of these hazardous containers were compromised in the collision, averting a potentially more catastrophic situation.
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This photograph shows a different angle of the train derailment scene in Pecos, Texas, highlighting the extent of the damage to both the train and the building.
National Transportation Safety Board Launches Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of six investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the collision. The investigation is expected to be comprehensive and will likely examine various factors, including the train’s speed, the actions of the train crew, the condition of the tracks, and the circumstances surrounding the tractor-trailer’s presence on the tracks. Clean-up efforts are underway concurrently with the investigation.
Union Pacific Railroad Expresses Condolences and Cooperates with Authorities
Union Pacific Railroad issued a statement expressing deep sorrow for the loss of two of their employees and extending condolences to their families and colleagues. The company confirmed its full cooperation with local first responders and authorities in the ongoing investigation. The statement underscores the company’s commitment to safety and its dedication to understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
FAQs about the Pecos Train Derailment
What caused the train derailment in Pecos, Texas?
The official cause of the derailment is still under investigation by the NTSB. Preliminary reports indicate a collision between a train and a tractor-trailer.
Were there any hazardous materials on the train?
Yes, the train was carrying hazardous materials, including lithium-ion batteries and vehicle airbags. However, authorities confirmed that none of these containers were damaged in the accident.
What is the status of the Chamber of Commerce building?
The building sustained significant damage and is currently closed pending a structural assessment by engineers.
Who were the victims of the accident?
The two victims were employees of Union Pacific Railroad. Their identities have not been publicly released out of respect for their families.
What is Union Pacific Railroad doing in response to the accident?
Union Pacific Railroad has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
