DPS: 1 dead after semi truck hit by train at railroad crossing

A driver was killed when his vehicle went into the path of an oncoming train at a crossing Tuesday afternoon in Dallam County.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, a 2012 Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer (tanker) was traveling south on FM 807 in Conlen, while a Union Pacific Train was traveling northeast.

DPS said the driver of the semi, identified as Rene Almenares-Durand, 48, of Dodge City, Kansas, failed to yield the right of way at an active railroad crossing, and the train hit the semi.

Almenares-Durand was pronounced dead at the scene by Dallam County Justice of the Peace Carol Smith.

DPS said the train's two conductors, both of Dalhart, were not injured.

The posted speed limit was 70 mph, and weather conditions were dry and clear at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.