CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — One person is dead after a fatal train accident involving a small SUV in Sinton on Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened at a railroad crossing on the 400 Block of East Market Street at about 12:17 p.m., according to Sinton Police Department.
A mother and son, both adults who lived in Sinton, were in the car. The mother, who was driving, died from the accident and her son survived. Law enforcement said the son was able to get out of the car before the train hit.
As this investigation continues, 3NEWS spoke with a family friend who talked about how the mother will be remembered.
"She would give you the shirt off her back, so to speak, type thing. Help anybody, anytime, anywhere. Don't expect nothing in return," Tony Maldonado, a friend of the crash victim's family for more than 20 years said.
Maldonado said the mother who died was well-known in Sinton and even helped raise children there as a babysitter for many in the community.
"She's been in our life for so long that, it's a hard tragedy man, very hard," Maldonado said.
Lt. Daniel Alcala with Sinton Police Department explained how the car was pushed by the train through about two intersections before coming to a stop. He said it is unclear why the car was still on the tracks when it was hit.
"We're still early in the investigation, so as we continue with that investigation, we should be able to get more answers onto that," Alcala said.
The car was removed from the tracks, and the train was able to regain motion.
Alcala also called the emergency response on Thursday a collaborative effort.
"Sinton Police Department is just a block away from where this accident happened, so we were here within, you know, quick minutes," he said. "We had the San Patricio County Sheriff's Department and along with the DPS units, they assisted us in this investigation, and it was good that they worked with us on this."
For Maldonado, and others devastated by this loss, it is a struggle to accept what has happened in the close-knit community.
"Rest in peace, you know, it's going to be hard for me to accept this truth," Maldonado said.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- IMAGES: What Tropical Storm Alberto looks like across the Coastal Bend
- Friends, musicians inspired by Johnny Canales discuss the icon and his legacy
- CCPD: Body matching description of missing woman Tanya Garza found Saturday
- First responders provide insight into 2 fatal drownings at Lake Corpus Christi
- Nueces County Public Health District offering free CPR certification classes this summer
- Weber H-E-B sells winning numbers for Texas Lotto game
- 'Quick thinking'| 5-year-old girl alerts mom to house fire on Pecan Street
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.