Passengers aboard an Amtrak long-haul train had a frightening experience when the train collided with an 18-wheeler truck on March 17, while passing through Texas. The incident occurred near Houston, Texas, involving an Amtrak train traveling from Los Angeles to New Orleans.
The Collision
- Location: The collision took place near Missouri City, which is approximately 20 minutes outside of Houston.
- The Incident: According to Amtrak, a green trailer from the truck made contact with the train as it was crossing Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
- Trained response: Firefighters and hazardous materials crews were quickly on the scene to manage a small fire and fuel leak caused by the crash.
Passengers and Crew Safety
- Passengers and Crew: There were just over 90 passengers and 11 crew members on board, and fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
- Minor Injuries: Two individuals were treated for minor injuries, though no one was seriously hurt.
- Truck Driver: The driver of the truck was reportedly uninjured as well.
Despite the collision, the train did not derail, though the truck was capsized, and the fuel leak was promptly contained, posing no immediate danger to public safety.
Amtrak’s Response
As a precaution, Amtrak relocated the passengers off the train, and they continued their journey aboard chartered buses to continue eastward. Passengers shared their experiences with ABC 13 Houston, describing the event as “surprising,” but were ultimately grateful that they walked away unharmed.
Second Train Accident in Texas
Coincidentally, just a day later, on March 18, Texas experienced another train-related incident. This time, a 23-car derailment occurred between Rosenberg and Richmond, Texas. Fortunately, there were no injuries in the derailment.
- Location: The derailment took place in a non-residential area of Richmond, Texas, and officials have indicated there’s no need for a citywide evacuation.
- Cleanup Efforts: The cleanup process is expected to take time, with roads blocked in historic downtown Richmond. The authorities believe that no hazardous materials are involved in the derailment.
