A speeding freight train about 320 miles west of Dallas plowed into a parade float yesterday, killing four and injuring 17 others.
The float was carrying “Heroes on Board” – veterans and their spouses who were on their way to an honorary banquet and complimentary hunting trip organized for wounded soldiers.
Two trucks hauling floats went over a railroad crossing: the first passed through unscathed and the second was hit by the train.
Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange told AP that the eastbound train was sounding its horn before the accident.
He added that a preliminary investigation showed that the crossing gate and lights were operational at the time of the crash. He noted that he didn’t know if the crew onboard the train could see the float approaching.
Union Pacific has reached out to the community and victim’s families as well as offering counselling for the train crew involved.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the causes of the crash.
