APRIL 28, 2015
CHAVES COUNTY, NM (PRESS RELEASE)
The New Mexico State Police is currently managing the scene
of a crash involving two trains which collided head-on. This incident occurred
on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, around 6:15 a.m. on New Mexico State Road 2, south
of Roswell, New Mexico.
The initial investigation revealed two freight trains collided when one stationary train positioned northbound on the track was struck head-on by a moving southbound train. The stationary train was unmanned at the time of the crash. The southbound train, operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, was occupied by two crew members.
One crew member, identified as Jesse T. Coburn III, forty-eight years of age from Texico, New Mexico, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The second crew member was transported to Lubbock, Texas for medical treatment and is listed in stable condition.
The New Mexico State Police is currently managing the scene as a hazmat incident due to diesel fuel spilling from the locomotives only. Six locomotives and three freight cars derailed in the crash. Certified hazmat teams are working on the cleanup, as well as offloading the remaining fuel from the locomotives.
The Roswell Police Department is assisting the New Mexico State Police with scene and evidence documentation. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway is actively involved in the scene cleanup. Upon completion of the hazmat cleanup, the New Mexico State Police will remain to secure the scene for the National Transportation Safety Board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating this crash. Any questions regarding the cause and nature of this crash should be directed to the NTSB.
Due to the ongoing investigation and scene management, New Mexico State Road 2 is shut down from milepost 28 to 31. The public is requested to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.
The initial investigation revealed two freight trains collided when one stationary train positioned northbound on the track was struck head-on by a moving southbound train. The stationary train was unmanned at the time of the crash. The southbound train, operated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, was occupied by two crew members.
One crew member, identified as Jesse T. Coburn III, forty-eight years of age from Texico, New Mexico, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The second crew member was transported to Lubbock, Texas for medical treatment and is listed in stable condition.
The New Mexico State Police is currently managing the scene as a hazmat incident due to diesel fuel spilling from the locomotives only. Six locomotives and three freight cars derailed in the crash. Certified hazmat teams are working on the cleanup, as well as offloading the remaining fuel from the locomotives.
The Roswell Police Department is assisting the New Mexico State Police with scene and evidence documentation. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway is actively involved in the scene cleanup. Upon completion of the hazmat cleanup, the New Mexico State Police will remain to secure the scene for the National Transportation Safety Board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating this crash. Any questions regarding the cause and nature of this crash should be directed to the NTSB.
Due to the ongoing investigation and scene management, New Mexico State Road 2 is shut down from milepost 28 to 31. The public is requested to avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.
Trains are safe, all aboard.