Freight Train Rams Float

[Ashotep]

CBS News.....MIDLAND, Texas A freight train slammed into a parade float carrying wounded veterans on Thursday, killing four people and injuring 17 others as the float tried to get through a West Texas railroad crossing on its way to an honorary banquet, authorities said.

The train was sounding its horn and people were jumping off the decorated flatbed truck before the collision around 4:40 p.m. in Midland, according to witnesses and Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange. A preliminary investigation indicates the crossing gate and lights were working, Lange said, though he didn't know if the train crew saw the float approaching.

Many jumped from float before train rammed it, video

So sad, there was a float in front of them and they couldn't get off the tracks. I don't blame the train crew, those trains don't stop quickly.

[Space Commander Travis]

Yes, i heard about that, very sad, but there was nothing the train crew could have done. Those barriers are completely automatic and only come down with less than 30 seconds to spare usually. The thing to do is to make sure that you cross the tracks as quickly as you can.

Edited November 16, 2012 by 747400

[Ashotep]

When your in a slow moving vehicle following one the best thing to do is wait until the one in front has went far enough that you can cross the tracks without stopping.

[Ashotep]

The truck that was hit ignored the warning signal and tried to cross the tracks anyway. Dumb.

Officials: Vets' float crossed track after signals

[+joc]

Who doesn't stop at RR crossings to look both ways? People who get hit that's who! People...donot rely on technology...LOOK...every single time. EVERY SINGLE TIME!