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Victims killed in train derailment in Pecos identified as Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo

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A train derailment in Pecos City, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon left two people dead and three injured after a collision involving a tractor-trailer.

The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. near Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street, approximately 430 miles west of Dallas, according to local authorities.

The two fatalities were identified as Union Pacific employees:

  • Clay Burt, Locomotive Engineer
  • Phillip Araujo, Conductor

Both were veteran transportation employees who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

Clay Burt, Locomotive Engineer
Clay Burt, Locomotive Engineer
Victims killed in train derailment in Pecos identified as Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo
Phillip Araujo, Conductor

City Manager Charles Lino stated that the derailment was caused when a train collided with a tractor-trailer at a crossing near Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street.

Following the collision, the train derailed and crashed into the Pecos Chamber of Commerce building.

Three cars on the train were reported to be carrying hazardous materials, but officials confirmed there was no breach.

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Investigators are currently focusing on two cars that were carrying lithium batteries. These have since been secured, and no environmental risks have been reported.

Union Pacific released a statement, emphasizing its commitment to cooperating with local authorities and first responders as the situation evolves:

“We are investigating this fluid situation as we cooperate with local first responders.”

Chief Lisa Tarango of the Pecos Police Department confirmed that three individuals sustained minor injuries and have since been released from the hospital.

Those inside the Chamber of Commerce building at the time of the incident were also treated for minor injuries.

Tarango expressed condolences, stating:

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“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of the victims and the Union Pacific Railroad family. These were dedicated and experienced employees who served their agency with distinction.”

Several streets in the area remain closed as investigators continue to examine the scene and cleanup efforts are underway.

Authorities are working diligently to assess the extent of the damage and ensure public safety.

Reeves County officials confirmed that no further risks have been identified and that all hazardous materials have been contained.

This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Pecos community, and support services are being extended to those affected.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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Pilot who died in Scottsdale crash identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky

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Sources have confirmed that Captain Joie Vitosky, the Learjet's pilot, was the sole fatality in the crash. Captain Joie Vitosky was described as a seasoned aviator and a generous and kind individual who had previously provided fans with memorable interactions with Vince Neil.

Scottsdale, AZ – The pilot who tragically lost his life in a private jet crash at Scottsdale Airport on Monday has been identified as 78-year-old Joie Vitosky, according to local authorities.

Vitosky, a highly experienced aviator with six decades of flying experience, was hailed as a hero by his family.

His daughter, Jana Schertzer, credited his skill and composure in the cockpit for saving the lives of the other passengers on board.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the reason those other passengers are alive is because of how he handled it yesterday,” Schertzer stated on Tuesday.

Vitosky’s passion for aviation spanned more than 60 years, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he piloted helicopters before transitioning to jets.

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Initially, he had intended to become an engineer, but his military service led him to a lifelong career in aviation, including multiple tours during the Vietnam War.

After leaving the Marines, Vitosky pursued a diverse flying career, piloting aircraft for prominent figures such as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Maureen Reagan, as well as corporate executives and oil industry leaders.

In addition to private charters, he also conducted critical transport flights, retrieving parts for companies like FedEx and flying transplant patients awaiting life-saving surgeries.

“It wasn’t just about flying wealthy clients,” Schertzer said. “There were so many people who genuinely needed his help—whether it was an emergency transport or a crucial medical flight.”

Vitosky’s love for flying extended to his family, with Schertzer recalling how she and her siblings often accompanied him on flights when seats were available.

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“We’ve all grown up going on trips with my dad when we could—when there was space on the plane, and passengers didn’t mind,” she reminisced.

At 78 years old, Vitosky remained an active and capable pilot, defying assumptions about age. Schertzer emphasized that her father was in excellent health, with perfect vision, and came from a family with a history of longevity.

“He was the epitome of health,” she stated. “There was nothing wrong with him—his vision was even better than 20/20.”

The fatal accident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday when a Learjet 35A, arriving from Austin, Texas, experienced landing gear failure upon touchdown at Scottsdale Airport, according to airport officials.

The Learjet, which had two pilots (including Vitosky) and two passengers on board, veered off the runway and collided with a parked Gulfstream jet, which had one occupant inside.

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Emergency responders reported that:

  • Two individuals suffered critical injuries
  • One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries

Air Traffic Response & Investigation

In audio recordings from air traffic control, controllers swiftly redirected nearby aircraft to avoid further complications.

One controller can be heard issuing a warning to an incoming aircraft:
“Maintain altitude and go around. We just had an emergency.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken over the investigation, with federal aviation officials working to determine the cause of the crash.

So far, the only other individual publicly identified from the crash is 43-year-old Rain Hannah Andreani, the girlfriend of Mötley Crüe lead singer Vince Neil.

Neil, who owns the Learjet, was not on board at the time of the crash, according to his legal representative Worrick Robinson IV, who addressed the incident via the band’s official Instagram account.

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The runway at Scottsdale Airport was temporarily closed but reopened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landing gear failure and subsequent collision. The aviation community, friends, and family members of Joie Vitosky are mourning the loss of a seasoned pilot whose expertise in the skies was widely respected.


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