A Union Pacific train derailment in Pecos, Texas, Wednesday evening left two workers dead and three others injured, underscoring the dangers faced by rail workers and the need for improved safety measures.
As Fox News reported, the incident unfolded when a tractor-trailer became stuck on the tracks, leading to a devastating collision. The crash caused the train to derail, slamming into the Pecos Chamber of Commerce building. City Manager Charles Lino confirmed the tragic details, which have shaken the local community.
The victims have been identified as Union Pacific employees Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo, according to the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD).
A Union Pacific train that derailed following a collision in Pecos, Texas
The two people killed during the train derailment have been identified as Union Pacific employees Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo
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“This devastating accident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks railroad workers face daily, and it highlights the critical need for urgent safety improvements across the industry,” the union said in a heartfelt statement.
The train carried several cars loaded with potentially hazardous materials, including lithium-ion batteries and airbags. Fortunately, the materials remained contained, averting a larger disaster.
However, leaked diesel fuel posed an additional challenge for emergency responders, who managed to prevent further environmental damage.
Three individuals suffered minor injuries and were treated at Reeves Regional Health. While city officials did not confirm whether the injured included Union Pacific employees, the accident has prompted widespread concern about worker safety and the risks of rail transport.
#BreakingNews:
On Dec 18, a semi-truck blocked the railway crossing, causing a fatal crash with a Union Pacific train in Pecos, #Texas.2 crew members killed.
No hazardous materials involved.
Investigation underway.#Accident #Trucking #Truckerlife #Truckers #NewsUSA pic.twitter.com/ZL4n71ys76
— Keep On Trucking | USA (@_KeepOnTrucking) December 19, 2024
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, weighed in on the incident, pledging to work on solutions to prevent similar tragedies.
“My state team and I are tracking the (sic) ongoing developments surrounding the train derailment in Pecos, Texas. We are coordinating with the NTSB and local law enforcement to investigate how this deadly incident occurred and how we can prevent accidents like this in the future,” Cruz wrote on X.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is spearheading an investigation into the derailment. SMART-TD has committed to assisting the NTSB in uncovering the cause and advocating for stronger safety regulations.
“Rail workers do vital work, often at great personal risk. As we mourn this loss, we also renew our commitment to fighting for stronger safety measures that will serve to better protect all those who work on and live near the rails,” the union stated.
This tragedy has reignited calls for enhanced rail safety protocols and investments to protect workers and nearby communities. For now, Pecos mourns the loss of two dedicated workers who paid the ultimate price for their commitment to keeping America’s rail system running.
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