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.
HARTFORD, IL — Newly released video footage reveals the harrowing moments of an ARCH Air Medical helicopter crash that occurred during a nighttime training exercise in Hartford, Illinois.
The incident took place around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday in a vacant lot near North Delmar Avenue, directly across from the Hartford Fire Department.
The video shows the helicopter attempting to lift off when one of its rotor blades struck a tree limb approximately 50 feet above ground.
The impact caused the aircraft to lose control, flip, and crash to the ground, where it immediately caught fire.
A thick plume of smoke and the glow of flames could be seen from blocks away.
In the aftermath of the crash, one of the individuals on board — identified in the video by a blue uniform — can be seen walking away from the burning wreckage.
Another survivor is shown being carried on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency personnel from the Hartford, South Roxana, and Wood River Fire Departments quickly responded to the scene.
The crash’s proximity to the fire station allowed first responders to act swiftly, containing the fire and rescuing the occupants.
Officials confirmed that all three people aboard the helicopter survived and were transported to area hospitals.
Two were taken by ground ambulance, while a third was airlifted by another ARCH Air Medical helicopter. Their medical conditions have not yet been released.
The crash resulted in a strong odor of aviation fuel that permeated the downtown Hartford area throughout the evening.
Authorities cordoned off the site while crews worked to stabilize the scene and mitigate any fire hazards.
The helicopter was participating in a routine training mission when the incident occurred.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
ARCH Air Medical has not yet released an official statement.
More details will be provided as the investigation continues and additional information becomes available.