Train Crashes into Car on Tracks, Driver Loses Life
A 32-year-old family man was killed when his car crashed with a MetroRail train, reports the Austin Statesman. Jeremy Barta was taking his two children to school when his car stopped on the tracks of a crossing near the Loop 1 tollway. The engineer of the approaching train did not hit the brakes immediately after spotting Barta’s Ford Taurus, but instead waited, expecting that the car would move out of the way. However, for unknown reasons the car did not do so. After realizing this, the engineer began emergency braking procedures and sounded the horn and bells, but the train was already too close to the car and could not be stopped. Barta’s children were injured in the crash, but are expected to survive.
The engineer was questioned by a police investigator. He claims that although the car was not moving, he thought it would move out of the way. He did not notice whether the car was stuck or not, but told the police that Barta was not looking in the direction of the train.
According to Barta’s roommate, the rock underpinning of the track at the crossing made it difficult to make over the tracks. Plans have been made to replace the rocks with a concrete base and to install flashing lights. It is also possible that the car had transmission problems in addition to the fact that the front tires had very little tread left. The possibility of a suicide was ruled out by police after interviewing Barta’s circle of friends and determining that Barta was not intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Collisions can be fatal and cause severe and unexpected injuries due to the negligence of others. Even a careful driver cannot always anticipate every problem that might happen. If you have been involved in an accident and have suffered injuries as a result, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an expert New Braunfels injury attorney at your earliest convenience.
