Midland Train Crash Unfolded in Just 20 Seconds

NTSB releases timeline of crash with parade float

A harrowing train crash in West Texas that killed four war veterans unfolded in a rapid-fire 20 seconds -- from the time the crossing bells and lights activated to the collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a detailed timeline Saturday, pieced together from video images on the train, a sheriff's car and the train's equivalent of a black box.

The parade was organized by a group called Show of Support. Group member Michael McKinney says the truck was donated.

According to the timeline, the truck entered the tracks after the warning lights had gone off.

The veterans and their spouses had only seconds to jump off. At the same time, the train conductor pulled the emergency brake in an attempt to come to a screeching halt.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us