A father and his young son are in critical condition after their car was struck by an Amtrak passenger train at a railroad crossing in northeast Harris County.
The crash occurred Sunday on Lockwood Road between West Lake Houston Parkway and East Sam Houston Parkway. Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office officials say the driver disregarded the lowered crossing arms as the train approached. Investigators report the vehicle inched onto the tracks after the Amtrak train sounded its horn. The train, traveling approximately 60 mph from California to New Orleans, hit the car.
The male driver and his son, who is between 10 and 12 years old, were rushed to area hospitals in critical condition. No one aboard the train was injured. Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators are examining the cause, including whether the driver may have been intoxicated. A full investigation by Precinct 3 remains ongoing.
In a surprising twist after the collision, the Amtrak conductor left the train to assist the injured pair but was confronted by at least four alligators in the nearby water, according to Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue.
Fire Chief Sidney Webb said the alligators, roughly four-and-a-half to five feet long, were likely drawn by movement in the weeds and were scared off. Harris County Sheriff’s Office officials later reported they did not observe any alligators at the scene and noted no environmental obstructions.
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