Texas is a state that places a high value on the service that military veterans have selflessly donated to the residents of our country. When a truck-train accident occurred nearly half a year ago, it affected a lot of Texas residents in a personal way.
The accident occurred in Midland, Texas during a parade held in November that honored the veterans who were wounded in their service. Tragedy struck when a flatbed carrying 24 passengers collided with a train barreling down the tracks. The collision cost four people their lives and left another dozen injured as a result. The investigation remains open and ongoing, but as of now the investigation clarifies some confusion only to uncover more.
The National Transportation Safety Board has studied the data, taken witness reports and uncovered other evidence that they used in a report released on May 22 about the truck accident. The report was clear about certain details, such as the fact that the Union Pacific train was going 62 miles per hour at the time of the collision.
It was also clear that the driver of the truck and the driver of the train gave accounts of the day that described certain confusion. The driver of the truck said that he did not hear any warning signs that the train was approaching nor did he see it until it was too late. The driver of the train said that he did pause before hitting the breaks, but that he blew his warning horn several times.
The driver of the truck was not indicted at a grand jury hearing that was held at the beginning of this year.
In cases where criminal sanctions are investigated and dismissed, it does not prevent victims and their families from filing a civil claim for compensation. It is important to remember that the civil and criminal courts are separate.
Source: Land Line Mag, “Investigation reveals confusion prior to truck-train crash in Texas,” David Tanner, May 23, 2013