Fort Worth police reported that a tanker truck driver avoided serious injury on Thursday morning by jumping from his vehicle seconds before a freight train collided with the truck at a railroad crossing near Northeast 28th Street.
Surveillance video captured the driver exiting the cab and leaping to safety as the train barreled onto the tracks. The impact caused the tanker to burst, but no fire was reported and the driver emerged without visible injuries.
“The driver acted quickly and was not hurt,” said Fort Worth Police Department spokesperson Officer Maria Hernandez. “We are investigating the cause of the incident and will work with the railroad company to determine if any safety improvements are needed at this crossing.”
Details of the incident
The crossing, located at the intersection of Northeast 28th Street and the rail line, is a standard at‑grade crossing equipped with flashing lights and a warning bell. Witnesses said the lights were activated before the train arrived, but the driver chose to abandon the vehicle rather than wait for the train to pass.
Authorities closed the crossing for approximately two hours while emergency crews cleared the wreckage and inspected the track for damage. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no reports of injuries to bystanders.
Safety considerations
Railroad crossings across Texas have been the focus of safety reviews after a series of high‑profile collisions in recent years. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintains a database of crossing incidents and works with rail operators to prioritize upgrades such as additional signage, barriers, or grade‑separation projects.
While the Fort Worth incident did not result in injuries, officials emphasized the importance of drivers remaining in their vehicles until a train has fully cleared the crossing. “Leaving a vehicle at a crossing can be dangerous for both the driver and the train crew,” Hernandez added.
Next steps
The Fort Worth Police Department will release a full report once the investigation is complete. The railroad company involved has not yet issued a statement.
Residents in the area are encouraged to report any concerns about crossing safety to local authorities. For updates on this story, follow the Fort Worth Police Department’s official channels.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
