Two Union Pacific Trains Collide in Arlington, TX

October 3rd, 2011 |

ARLINGTON, TX – One Union Pacific train crashed into the rear of another Union Pacific train that was stopped on the tracks in Arlington, TX on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011.

arlington-tx-union-pacific-train-crash-site

Access road to Howell Family Farms on W. Division St. in Arlington, TX that was blocked by Union Pacific train crash and which trapped guests inside at a charity event on October 1, 2011. Railroad tracks can be seen crossing this access road.

Arlington is located in Tarrant County, Texas in the north-central part of the state about 40 southwest of Plano, 24 miles southwest of Dallas, 28 miles southwest of Carrollton and about 17 miles southwest of Irving.

The crash derailed three locomotives and crushed several rail cars in the process. At least two cars tipped over and one of the engines was crushed on impact. The train wreck also blocked access in and out of a charity function being held nearby, virtually trapping several hundred people attending the event.

The collision occurred at about 9:12 p.m. Saturday evening in the 4600 block of W. Division St. near Dottie Lynn Parkway. Witnesses say that they felt the ground shake when the train crash occurred. Both trains were eastbound at the time of the accident.

arlington-tx-union-pacific-train-crash-map

Map showing location of Union Pacific train crash in Arlington, TX on October 1, 2011 in the 4600 block of West Division St. near Dottie Lynne Parkway.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident and no railroad workers were hurt. It was also good fortune that there were no hazardous materials involved and no one had to be evacuated.

The charity event was being held by a non-profit organization at Howell Family Farms at 4016 W. Division St. in Arlington. There is only one access road leading from Texas Highway 180 (W Division St.) to the facility and that access road crosses the tracks.

Debris from the collision was blocking that one access road and the guests at the event were completely blocked from leaving or arriving. The lead locomotive was sitting dead center blocking the path in and out.

Emergency crews worked to clear a path from the event to allow the guests to leave. Heavy equipment was brought in to cut through the brush and provide a cart path to a nearby golf course. After a fence was cut through at the rear of Howell Family Farms around half-past midnight, guests were finally able to leave.

FELA Lawyer News Blog is a FELA, train accident and personal injury blog that publishes up to date train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States. The Federal Employers ‘Liability Act, (FELA) allows injured railroad workers to recover compensation based on the negligence of the railroad company, in lieu of workers’ compensation. FELA defines negligence as the railroad company’s failure to use reasonable care.