Three Union Pacific Crew Members Killed in Oklahoma Train Wreck
Oklahoma City — Three deaths have been confirmed in Sunday's train wreck. The fatal train accident occurred near Goodwell, Oklahoma shortly before 11 a.m. on July 24.
According to reports, two cargo trains collided about 2 miles east of Goodwell, shutting down both lanes of U.S. 54. Air traffic was diverted Liberal, Kansas, due to the diesel-fueled fireball that filled the sky with smoke. People were asked to keep away because of possible explosions.
Four Union Pacific crew members were on board the trains at the time of the accident. One conductor managed to jump from the train just before the crash, but the other three members died in the fiery crash, according to reports.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there wasn't any "survivable space" in the cabins after the wreck. The four crew members were identified as conductor Brian L. Stone, 50, of Dalhart, Texas; and engineers Dan Hall and John Hall. The conductor who jumped from the train has been identified as Juan Zurita.
An investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the fatal accident. According to witness Gary Mathews, neither train used its horn or lights to signal the other train before the collision. An earlier report indicated no problems with the signal system along the tracks.
NTSB is conducting an investigation into the crash. NTSB member Mark Rosekind said they are investigating to determine which train had the right of way. Rosekind said nothing appears to be wrong with the trains' brakes and no cell phones were found at the crash site.
Rosekind said it could take up to a year before a final report on the train accident is available.
Sources:
If someone you love is killed while working for a rail company, you should speak with an experienced FELA law lawyer for help. You and your family may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses. To learn more, contact our FELA attorneys today.
