It happened just before 5pm near Almeda and Gumas. The car was T-boned by the train, and then pushed between 75 and 100 yards down the track.
We're told the driver of the vehicle was at an auto salvage yard just before the accident. According to witnesses, when he saw the train coming, he jumped in his car and sped towards it.
There were two people in the car at the time of the accident. The driver was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. We don't know his condition at this point. The passenger was apparently uninjured.
According to Union Pacific, the train engineer sounded the train whistle, but the driver wasn't able to get out of the way in time. They also say the crossing had a stop sign and railroad markings, so the driver was supposed to stop.
We'll post any new details on this story as we get them.
There have been three accidents this week involving trains. Officials with Union Pacific urge drivers to take caution around railroad tracks and offer the following safety tips:
- Always expect a train and look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.
- Wait for trains and do not attempt to beat approaching trains.
- Avoid getting trapped on the railroad tracks by ensuring there is enough room on the other side for your vehicle to completely clear the tracks.
- If your vehicle stalls at a crossing, get passengers out and escort them far from the area, even if trains are not coming through. Call the emergency notification number posted on or near the crossing or notify local law enforcement.
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