Amtrak train hits car in northeast Harris County, critically injuring two

A father and son were critically injured Sunday when an Amtrak passenger train slammed into their car on Lockwood Road in northeast Harris County, at a crossing between West Lake Houston Parkway and East Sam Houston Parkway.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigators said the driver went through crossing arms that were already down. The train was approaching, sounded its horn, and struck the vehicle after it inched across the tracks. Officials said the train was traveling about 60 mph.

Two people were rushed to the hospital in critical condition: an adult male driver and a young passenger believed to be about 10 to 12 years old. Investigators initially believed the pair were father and son. No one aboard the train was hurt.

The crash happened near Summer Creek High School, adding another jolt to a stretch of northeast Harris County road that already handles steady local traffic. The train involved was reported to be an Amtrak passenger train headed to New Orleans after coming from California, a reminder that a crossing in Houston can become part of a long-distance rail corridor in seconds.

The scene briefly took on an odd turn after the collision. Sheldon Fire Chief Sidney Webb said the conductor, while trying to help, encountered multiple alligators in nearby water. Webb said the animals were likely drawn by movement in the weeds and were scared off. The sheriff’s office said it did not observe alligators at the scene and said there were no environmental obstructions.

The larger issue, though, is the one railroad crossings across Harris County keep raising: the warning system only works if drivers obey it. Texas law requires motorists to yield to trains, and it is illegal to drive around lowered railroad gates or cross when a train is visible. The Texas Department of Transportation says drivers should stop when warning lights flash or crossing arms lower, and if a vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out and call 9-1-1 immediately.

The Federal Railroad Administration tracks highway-rail crossing incidents through its national safety data portal, part of a broader record of train accidents and crossing crashes. In northeast Harris County, Sunday’s wreck left a family in critical condition and turned a familiar rail crossing into the latest warning about the danger of trying to beat a train.