4 dead, 17 hurt on float hit by train

Police, fire and sheriff’s personnel respond to an accident in which a flatbed trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train at a crossing Thursday in Midland, Texas.
Police, fire and sheriff’s personnel respond to an accident in which a flatbed trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train at a crossing Thursday in Midland, Texas.

— A freight train slammed into a parade float carrying wounded veterans 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 eastbound train was sounding its horn before it hit the float about 4:40 p.m. in Midland, Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange said. A preliminary investigation indicates that the crossing gate and lights were working, Lange said, though he didn’t know if the train crew saw the float approaching.

Two people died at the scene, while two others died at Midland Memorial Hospital, Midland spokesman Ryan Stout said. Seven of those injured are in critical condition, while the 10 others are in stable condition, he said.

About two dozen veterans and their spouses had been sitting in chairs on the float, set up on the back of a flatbed tractor-trailer decorated with American flags and signs identifying each veteran, photos show.

Panic swept through those seated on trailer as the locomotive’s horn sounded, said Patricia Howle, who was waiting at a nearby traffic light as the train approached.

The float was among two flat-bed trucks carrying veterans and their spouses, police said. The first truck safely crossed the railroad tracks, but the second truck’s trailer was hit by the train. Police said some of the people on the second trailer were able to evacuate before the crash.

A banner across the truck’s front bumper read “Heroes on Board.”

Front Section, Pages 8 on 11/16/2012

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