Two people were rushed to the hospital Sunday after a passenger vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train in northeast Harris County, according to local officials and news reports.
The crash happened on Lockwood Road between West Lake Houston Parkway and East Sam Houston Parkway. Authorities said the vehicle was struck after entering the railroad crossing while the crossing arms were down. Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators told local news that the Amtrak train was approaching, sounded its horn, and hit the vehicle while traveling about 60 miles per hour.
Officials said the male driver and a young passenger, reportedly between 10 and 12 years old, were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Early reports indicate the two may be father and son, but authorities have not released their names. Investigators are also reviewing whether intoxication may have been a factor, but no final determination has been reported.
What Happened After the Crash?
According to Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue, the Amtrak conductor attempted to help after the collision but encountered several alligators in nearby water. Sheldon Fire Chief Sidney Webb told news sources that the alligators were estimated to be about four and a half to five feet long and were likely attracted by movement in the weeds before being scared away. HCSO officials later said they did not see alligators at the scene and did not identify environmental obstructions.
No one aboard the Amtrak train was reported injured. The train was traveling from California to New Orleans.
Why Train Crossing Crashes Are So Dangerous
Crashes involving trains are often catastrophic because trains cannot stop quickly, even when the operator sees a vehicle on the tracks. Harris County officials warned drivers that railroad crossings require extreme caution and that drivers must yield to signals, horns, lights, and crossing gates.
Texas law also imposes specific duties at railroad crossings. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.251, a driver approaching a railroad grade crossing must stop when a visible railroad signal warns of an approaching train, when a crossing gate is lowered, or when a train is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity. The statute also states that a driver commits an offense by driving around, under, or through a crossing gate while it is closed, closing, or opening.
Railroad Crossing Risks in Texas
Railroad crossing safety is a major issue across Texas. TxDOT reports that Texas has 14,771 miles of track, the most rail lines of any state, and more than 9,000 public at-grade highway-rail crossings.
Preliminary 2025 Federal Railroad Administration statistics, summarized by Operation Lifesaver, show 2,272 highway-rail grade crossing collisions nationwide, including 288 deaths and 764 injuries. Texas ranked first among states listed, with 262 crossing collisions, 28 deaths, and 83 injuries in 2025 preliminary data.
Hire a Lawyer for Serious Train Crash in Harris County
If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, a refinery explosion or as the result of someone else’s negligence, you need to contact an experienced attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer knows how to obtain, preserve and use evidence to protect and strengthen your case.
Hilda Sibrian has represented injury victims in negligence and truck accident claims across Texas for over 22 years. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck crash, refinery explosion or fire, or chemical exposure incident, call the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian today for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian serve all of Houston and Texas, including Sugar Land, Missouri City, La Porte, Beaumont, Pasadena, The Woodlands, The Heights, Bellaire, Kingwood, Baytown and of course Houston proper.
