Two people were sent to the hospital and a Midland man died when the pickup truck he was driving collided with a train Saturday afternoon in Midland.
Paul Thompson, 61, was driving a Dodge Dakota pickup northbound on Carver Street when it was struck by an eastbound train. Midland Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene at approximately 5:19 p.m. and found Thompson deceased on scene. Two passengers, a male and female who are both 54 years old, were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. The female passenger was in critical condition and the male was in serious condition at the time of transport.
The investigation revealed that the pickup, failing to control speed, approached the railroad crossing too fast to stop, sliding through the crossing gate. The truck came to a stop on the tracks, at which point it was struck by the train. Alcohol is also being investigated as a contributing factor.
Next of kin has been notified and the investigation continues.
###Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz