A FedEx employee from Dallas was killed, and another remains in critical condition after a Union Pacific train struck a FedEx delivery vehicle at a private railroad crossing in Hill County on Thursday afternoon.
The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the deceased passenger as 25-year-old Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel of Dallas, who died after being transported to a hospital. The driver of the FedEx vehicle also suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
The collision occurred at approximately 2 p.m. near State Highway 81 and County Road 4148, north of Itasca, according to DPS.
Investigators said the FedEx Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van was traveling westbound on a private road when it attempted to cross Union Pacific railroad tracks and was struck by an oncoming train.
Because the crossing was located on a private road, there were no crossing arms or warning sirens, DPS said.
Aerial footage from the scene showed the train had pushed the heavily damaged FedEx vehicle along the tracks following the impact. Authorities confirmed the train did not derail.
“Our thoughts are with our team members,” FedEx said in a statement, per WFAA. “Safety is our highest priority, and we are working closely with emergency responders and investigators at the scene. Further questions should be directed to local authorities.”
Multiple Agencies Respond
Numerous emergency responders assisted at the scene, including the Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS, Itasca Fire Department, Grandview Fire Department, CareFlite EMS and Air, AirEvac Lifeteam, Covington Fire Rescue, Itasca Police Department, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Hill County Emergency Management.
The response also resulted in a heat-related medical emergency involving a firefighter. Covington Fire Rescue said the firefighter was airlifted to a Fort Worth hospital for treatment before being released later that day and is recovering at home.
The crash prompted the temporary closure of State Highway 81 south of FM 67 and FM 67 west of SH 81 while investigators processed the scene. All roadways have since reopened.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash.
Union Pacific said the incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not released the identity of the critically injured driver.
Investigators continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Provided by Dallas Express
