Train Crashes Into Trailer Carrying Wounded Vets in West Texas Parade
By: Nexstar Staff Reports
Updated: November 16, 2012
MIDLAND -- Four people are killed and 17 others are injured after a train plows into a parade float in Midland.
The fatal crash happened around 4:35 PM Thursday at Garfield Street and Industrial Avenue in Midland.
The crash happened along the route that the 9th Annual Show of Support's Hunt for Heroes parade was taking to the Midland County Horseshoe Arena for the Show of Support Banquet at the time of the crash.
Midland Police Chief Price Robinson says 2 flatbed trucks that were carrying wounded veterans and their families to the Show of Support Banquet were crossing the Union Pacific train tracks when a train came barreling down on them.
The first float crossed the tracks fine, but the train -- which was heading eastbound crashed into the second float, killing 2 people instantly.
Witnesses on the scene say the crossing gates didn't go down before the floats crossed the tracks in front of the train. However, Union Pacific says otherwise.
Tom Lange, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, says that the train's two-member crew did sound the train horn prior to impact. They also say that the gates and lights at the intersection were working at the time.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of those affected," he said, adding that additional Union Pacific employees are on site and more are heading that way to investigate.
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