San Antonio fatal collision with train after flood

A woman was killed overnight Sunday when a train collided with a vehicle in San Antonio, New Mexico — days after the railroad crossing was closed due to flooding.

Socorro County Sheriff Lee Armijo said two people were in the vehicle when it was struck by a BNSF Railway train sometime around midnight.

The woman who was killed was not identified.

The San Antonio Fire Department responded at 12:02 a.m. to the collision.

According to reports, Adam Steinke, North County Fire Chief arrived on scene and found the crossing arms where the road crossed the tracks were in an upright position and the warning lights were inactive.

The woman had already been removed from the vehicle and was covered with a blanket, and no resuscitative efforts were being performed, said reports. Police officers on scene confirmed the woman was deceased.

Socorro Fire Department Rescue 10 arrived, and personnel, along with Socorro County Deputies and Steinke lifted and moved the rear of the car to facilitate easier access to the driver.

The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to Socorro General Hospital by SFD Rescue 10. The accident scene was subsequently handed over to the Socorro County Sheriff’s office.

No other details have been given.

Flooding

Socorro County Manager Andy Lotrich reported flooding on Highway 380 just two days earlier that caused the San Antonio railroad crossing to be closed on Saturday.

“A multi-agency response worked quickly to address the road closure.,” Lotrich said, “The NM DOT was able to clear the mud and water from the road service, and the highway was re-opened later in the evening.”

State Police and the Socorro County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the road closure, while the Socorro County Road department was on stand-by to assist.

Lotrich said that although San Antonio did not receive heavy rain, the foothills to the west of town did receive large amounts. He said the arroyo showed signs that the water crested at about six feet.

The flood control efforts to the west of San Antonio worked, as the water was kept out of the town, except where the water was too much for the water crossing once it reached the railroad tracks, noted Lotrich.

“Socorro County is working with BNSF, NM DOT and the MRGCD to take action to continue to improve the infrastructure to reduce future flooding,” Lotrich said.