2 dead, 3 injured after train derails and hits building in West Texas
PECOS, Texas — Two people are dead and three injured after a train derailed Wednesday afternoon in Pecos City, about 430 miles west of Dallas, according to local city officials.
The city said the derailment was caused by a train colliding with a tractor-trailer near Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street around 5:45 p.m. After the train collided with the tractor-trailer, it hit the Chamber of Commerce building, according to Reeves County officials.
Charles Lino, Pecos' city manager, said three of the cars on the train were carrying hazardous material but clarified there was no breach. On Thursday, Lino confirmed that investigators are still examining two cars that were carrying lithium batteries, which have since been secured.
Transport company Union Pacific released a statement saying it was "investigating this fluid situation as we cooperate with local first responders."
Lisa Tarango, the Chief of Police for the Pecos Police Department, confirmed that the individuals who sustained minor injuries have since been released from the hospital.
"Our condolences and sincere heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families as well as the Union Pacific Railroad family as well, as these were veteran employees in that agency," Tarango said.
There were people inside the Chamber of Commerce, including some who required treatment for minor injuries.
Tarango said they have not released the names of the deceased out of respect for their families and pending notification of next of kin.
Several streets are closed as the investigation continues and cleanup efforts begin.
