Officials: Truck driver dead after crash leads to train derailment in Texas

SPLENDORA, Texas — A truck driver was killed Monday following a crash involving a train in Splendora, Texas, according to police.

The crash caused several cars on the train to derail.

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In a news release, the Splendora Police Department said that the Montgomery County Communications Center received multiple calls about a train versus an 18-wheeler truck with derailment just before 7:30 a.m.

The driver of the 18-wheeler truck was dead when officers arrived on the scene, according to police.

The crash happened around the tracks at Midline Road. According to KHOU, the Texas Department of Transportation said that the Eastex Freeway northbound has since reopened.

The train was reportedly heading south when an 18-wheeler truck crossed the tracks and was hit. According to KHOU, the truck was dragged about half a mile down the tracks.

Police told KHOU that there were no guard arms or lights at the crossing where the crash occurred and that the truck driver would have had a clear line of sight to see the train.

Hazmat crews were called to the scene and cleaned up some spilled diesel fuel from the 18-wheeler, according to KHOU

About 15 train cars were derailed as a result of the crash, police told KHOU. Police also said it could take about 15 hours to clear the scene.