Multiple agencies responded to the scene of a crash involving a train and commercial delivery van that claimed a life in the Itasca area Thursday afternoon, July 23.
DPS Sergeant Ryan Howard said that the crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m. near State Highway 81 and HCR 4148 north of Itasca. Howard said that the van was westbound on a private drive and was struck by a Union Pacific train while crossing the tracks.
The driver and passenger were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. DPS later said that the passenger, Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel, 25, of Dallas, died from his injuries. The driver was reported to be in critical condition Friday.
A Covington volunteer firefighter on scene was also transported by air for treatment of severe heat exhaustion and was released later that day.
DPS said that no other injuries were reported, and there was no derailment.
Hill County Emergency Management reported that State Highway 81, south of FM 67, was closed in all directions, and FM 67, west of State Highway 81, was also closed in all directions.
Itasca, Grandview and Covington volunteer fire departments responded, along with Air Evac, CareFlite, Itasca police, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Hill County Sheriff’s Office and Hill County Emergency Management.
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