PENWELL, TX — A devastating crash involving a pickup truck and a Union Pacific train claimed the lives of two men in Penwell, Texas, on Wednesday. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has identified the victims as 30-year-old Jose Antonio Salvador and 19-year-old Francisco Ramirez.
The fatal accident occurred when Salvador, driving a 2025 Ford F-350 with Ramirez as a passenger, was traveling north on Avenue G. According to DPS investigators, the truck approached a railroad crossing and failed to yield to an eastbound Union Pacific train. The train struck the driver’s side of the vehicle, dragging it for a significant distance before it was consumed by fire.
Both Salvador and Ramirez were pronounced dead at the scene. The collision left the vehicle completely destroyed, and no other injuries were reported. The train remained on the tracks, and its crew was unharmed during the incident.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators are reviewing factors such as vehicle speed, visibility at the crossing, and any potential mechanical issues. No updates have been provided on whether the railroad crossing had active signals or gates, or whether driver error was the primary cause of the tragedy.
The loss of Salvador and Ramirez has left the local community mourning the deaths of two young lives. Family members and friends have expressed their heartbreak as authorities continue working to determine what exactly led to the collision. The DPS is also seeking assistance from the public, asking any witnesses to come forward with information.
This tragic crash highlights the dangers associated with railroad crossings, which are known to be high-risk areas for vehicle-train collisions. Due to the sheer force and weight of trains, accidents at crossings are often catastrophic. DPS officials are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching railroad tracks.
As the investigation continues, officials hope that understanding the circumstances of this crash will help prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, the Penwell community is left grieving the sudden loss, and DPS remains focused on gathering all available evidence to piece together the final moments before the fatal impact.