Amtrak train conductor confronted by alligators following Harris County crash, officials say
Officials said two people, including a child, were rushed to the hospital after the car they were in was hit by the Amtrak train.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities said two people were rushed to the hospital on Sunday after a crash involving a passenger vehicle and an Amtrak train in northeast Harris County.
According to the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, the crash happened on Lockwood Road between West Lake Houston Parkway and East Sam Houston Parkway.
Officials said the driver of the vehicle disregarded the crossing arms that were in the down position. Harris County Sheriff's Office investigators said an Amtrak train was approaching and honked its horn before the vehicle inched across the tracks. The car was then hit by the train going 60 miles per hour, authorities said.
According to Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue, the Amtrak train conductor tried to assist following the crash, but was confronted by at least four alligators in the water nearby. Sheldon Fire Chief Sidney Webb said the alligators were four and a half to five feet long and were most likely attracted to the movement in the weeds before being scared off.
HCSO officials said they did not see any alligators at the scene but added there were "no obstructions with the environment."
The male driver and a young passenger, between the ages of 10 and 12, were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to officials. Initial investigation indicates that the two are father and son. HCSO officials said they are still investigating whether the driver was possibly intoxicated.
Investigators are now sharing an important safety message for drivers regarding railroad crossings.
"You should always be mindful when crossing tracks, whether or not there is a train or lights are on," Alex Kampf with the Harris County Sheriff's Office said. "Some tracks don't have warnings. Here in Harris County, the tracks have warning, and you shall yield to the signal, train horns, and lights, etc. It's very dangerous. The kinetic energy and momentum from the train, you're unlikely to walk away unscathed."
Authorities said no one on the Amtrak train was injured in the crash. According to officials, the train was coming from California and was headed to New Orleans.
Pct. 3 said an investigation is underway. Authorities had advised motorists to expect traffic delays and to use alternate routes where possible.
ABC13 reached out to Amtrak about the incident and is waiting for a statement.
This is a developing story. Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts.
