FM 686 at FM 621 – The Sunset Limited an AMTRAK passenger train struck a semi-truck (18 wheeler) last Friday at about 4:00 p.m. causing a “minor derailment” (the front wheels left the track) and split the truck in half.
The train traveled all the way through the intersection in total before stopping. There are no cross arms at the intersection. Neighbors say they heard no horn or sound warning of the train’s approach.
The AMTRAK was out of Los Angeles bound for New Orleans via Beaumont.
Crosby’s ESD#5 took the truck driver to the hospital, Liberty County transported seven people to Dayton Regional Medical Center and 12 people were transported by A Mass casualty bus to the hospital. The injuries of train passengers were said to be consistent with a bump on the head as the train hit brakes.
Texas Department Public Safety were on scene trying to determine why the truck stopped on the railroad tracks.
According to TXDPS, “DPS Troopers responded to a crash involving an AMTRAK train, and a 18-wheeler near CR 621 in Liberty Co. 17 passengers and the truck driver were transported to Liberty Dayton Hospital for minor injuries by Medical Bus. Crash investigation is ongoing.”
Neighbors say there are no lights at the intersection of roadway to train.