Texas man hit by Amtrack train. The driver’s attempt to help thwarted four alligators

A vehicle driver and a young passenger were rushed to the hospital in critical condition after a collision with an Amtrak train in Harris County, Texas, on Sunday. The train was traveling from California to New Orleans at the time, and the accident occurred when the driver ignored the lowered crossing arms. As he moved onto the tracks, the train, which was moving at 60 miles per hour, collided with his vehicle.

While this is a terrifying situation, the circumstances surrounding the aftermath make it even more unusual. According to 6 ABC News, the Amtrak train conductor attempted to provide assistance to the victims, but he was forced to stop when he encountered at least four alligators in the water nearby. 

Sheldon Fire Chief Sidney Webb noted that these reptiles measured between four and a half to five feet in length. He explained that the animals were likely drawn to the movement in the weeds before they were ultimately scared off. While the victims remain in critical condition, authorities confirmed that no one on board the Amtrak train sustained injuries during the impact. 

The sudden appearance of an alligator would give me pause, too

It’s worth noting that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators mentioned they did not personally observe any alligators at the scene. They reported that the two victims are believed to be a father and his son, aged between 10 and 12. 

More importantly, they did clarify, however, that there were no obstructions with the environment that would have prevented a clear view of the tracks, making it clear that the collision was the car driver’s fault. The sheriff’s office is currently investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.

The investigation has prompted officials to issue a stern reminder regarding railroad safety. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of staying alert at all times, regardless of the presence of warning signals. 

“You should always be mindful when crossing tracks, whether or not there is a train or lights are on,” Alex Kampf with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said. “Some tracks don’t have warnings. Here in Harris County, the tracks have warning, and you shall yield to the signal, train horns, and lights, etc. It’s very dangerous. The kinetic energy and momentum from the train, you’re unlikely to walk away unscathed.”

The sequence of events leading up to the crash is clear based on the sheriff’s office reports. The train conductor honked the horn as the train approached the crossing, yet the vehicle proceeded to inch across the tracks despite the warning signals and the lowered arms. The incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together the final details. 

The victims really needed an angry pet-mom to punch the alligators so that help could have gotten to them sooner. Also, alligators are something I usually associate with Florida, like why Trump even built a detention center there. So this entire incident read like a fever dream to me. However, the reality of the crash is a big deal. So, if you find yourself at a railway crossing, do yourself a favor and exercise some patience.