No Injuries as Freight Train Strikes Stranded Lorry in Texas

A Union Pacific freight train struck an 18-wheeler lorry transporting cars that was stopped on the tracks in Schertz, Texas, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The collision, which occurred around 10:12 AM EAT (10:12 AM Central Standard Time), caused significant damage to the lorry and its cargo, but resulted in no injuries. This incident was the second train-truck collision in the city of Schertz in a week and the third in the wider San Antonio area, raising concerns about the safety of railway crossings.

According to a statement from the Schertz Police Department, the car-hauling truck was struck by the westbound train at the intersection of Schertz Parkway and FM 78. Officials reported that the lorry became stuck on the tracks, a situation described as "high-centering," where the vehicle's undercarriage gets caught on the raised profile of the railway line, preventing it from moving. The driver of the lorry was able to exit the vehicle before the impact and was unharmed. The train crew was also reported to be safe, and the train did not derail.

Investigation and Context of Recent Collisions

The Schertz Police Department is leading an investigation into the circumstances of the collision, with assistance from Union Pacific and state and federal agencies. Following the incident, police issued a statement emphasizing the critical importance of obeying warning signs at railway crossings. "Trains cannot stop quickly, but you can," the statement read, urging drivers to stop, look, and listen. The driver of the lorry was ticketed for the mishap.

This collision follows a pattern of similar recent events in the region. Just five days earlier, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, an Amtrak passenger train carrying over 100 people struck a semi-truck hauling rocks, also in Schertz. No injuries were reported in that incident either. On Monday, November 3, 2025, another Union Pacific train collided with an 18-wheeler near downtown San Antonio. That truck was carrying band equipment for a local high school. Again, no one was injured.

Broader Implications for Rail Safety

While these recent incidents in Texas fortunately did not result in fatalities, they highlight a persistent and dangerous issue at level crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, collisions at railroad crossings are the second-leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States. The incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential for catastrophic outcomes when road vehicles and trains intersect.

For Kenya and the wider East African region, which are investing heavily in upgrading and expanding their rail infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), these events offer crucial safety lessons. Ensuring that level crossings are adequately protected with modern warning systems, and that public awareness campaigns are in place to educate drivers on the dangers, is paramount to preventing similar accidents. The Texas incidents underscore that even in a country with extensive rail networks, the interface between road and rail remains a significant point of risk requiring constant vigilance and robust safety protocols.

The intersection where the Sunday collision occurred was closed for approximately six hours to allow for the clearing of debris, causing significant local traffic disruption. The investigation by local and federal authorities is ongoing.