PECOS, Texas — A train derailment in a West Texas city has killed two people and injured three others as federal investigators have started to survey the scene. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Union Pacific train derailed around 5 p.m. on Wednesday in Pecos—a small Texas city an hour south of New Mexico—and then struck the Chamber of Commerce building, city officials said

  • Pecos officials later confirmed that the derailment was caused by a collision with a tractor-trailer

  • The National Transportation Safety Board said it would be looking into the crash and sent six NTSB investigators to the scene

  • A spokesperson for Union Pacific said the company is “investigating this fluid situation” and is cooperating with local first responders

Union Pacific told the Associated Press Thursday that the two people who died were employees of the railroad company. 

The Union Pacific train derailed around 5 p.m. on Wednesday in Pecos—a small Texas city an hour south of New Mexico—and then struck the Chamber of Commerce building, city officials said. 

Pecos officials later confirmed that the derailment was caused by a collision with a tractor-trailer.

During a news conference Thursday morning, officials said two cars of the cargo train were carrying lithium ion batteries, which qualify as hazardous materials, but none had been released in the derailment.

State Rep. Eddie Morales Jr., who represents Pecos along with a large portion of West Texas, said he has been in contact with local and state officials about the incident. 

“I ask you to join me in praying for the Union Pacific family, the families of those impacted, and the City of Pecos,” Morales said. 

Morales also said the Texas Department of Emergency Management is on standby, but state assistance was not needed as the local and county first responders had the situation under control. 

The National Transportation Safety Board said it would be looking into the crash and sent six NTSB investigators to the scene. 

Spectrum News also reached out to Union Pacific, and a spokesperson said the company is “investigating this fluid situation” and is cooperating with local first responders.