Dec. 19—One person is dead and four are injured after a train derailed Monday in West Texas, according to Town of Pecos City officials.
The city, about 75 miles west of Odessa, said the derailment was caused by a freight train colliding with a tractor-trailer that was stuck on the tracks around 5:45 p.m. After the train collided with the truck, it hit the Chamber of Commerce building near the intersection of Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street, according to a Reeves County statement.
Three of the cars on the train were carrying potentially hazardous material, according to Charles Lino, Pecos' city manager. The city is "investigating this fluid situation as we cooperate with local first responders." Lino said there is no risk to the public.
Video of the collision shows the moment the train barreled into the truck.
"This lil' boy is stuck right here on the tracks," the witness behind the camera said as he watched the collision from his own vehicle.
"Oh boy, that's not good!" the witness screamed as the train slammed into the tractor-trailer.
Harrowing video shared on X and Facebook by Reeves County officials shows the aftermath of the crash, including train cars laying beside the tracks. Police, firefighters, ambulances and other vehicles appear to be clearing up the area.
It is not clear how the tractor-trailer became struck on the tracks. Police have not revealed whether the victims were from inside the building, inside the train or pedestrians on the street. The condition of the truck driver is unknown.
The Pecos Police Department is now leading the investigation with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The public has been urged to avoid the area for public safety concerns, authorities said Wednesday night.
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