Local News
Victims killed in train derailment in Pecos identified as Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo
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.
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.
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:
“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.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.