The small West Texas city of Pecos, known for its rich railroad history and tight-knit community, is reeling from the tragic aftermath of a train derailment that claimed the lives of two veteran Union Pacific employees, Locomotive Engineer Clay Burt and Conductor Phillip Araujo. The derailment, which occurred on the evening of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, has left the community in mourning while raising urgent questions about rail safety, transportation logistics, and hazardous material handling.
The accident happened at approximately 5:45 p.m. near the intersection of Oak Street and Dot Stafford Street, a vital yet often congested crossing in Pecos. According to preliminary investigations, a Union Pacific freight train collided with a tractor-trailer that was attempting to cross the tracks. The collision caused a catastrophic derailment that not only resulted in the deaths of Burt and Araujo but also sent the train careening into the Pecos Chamber of Commerce building, a historic structure situated near the tracks. Three other individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated and released from a nearby hospital.
City Manager Charles Lino, who has been closely coordinating with first responders and investigators, described the scene as “devastating,” emphasizing that the collision disrupted not only the train’s trajectory but also the rhythm of the entire community. “This tragedy hits home for everyone in Pecos,” Lino said. “We’ve lost two dedicated individuals who were committed to their work and their families, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this accident.”
Union Pacific, one of the largest freight-hauling railroad networks in the United States, confirmed the identities of the two fatalities. Both Burt and Araujo were seasoned professionals with years of experience in the railroad industry. Locomotive Engineer Clay Burt was described by colleagues as a meticulous and passionate railroader with an unwavering commitment to safety and precision. Conductor Phillip Araujo, known for his leadership and camaraderie, was celebrated for his ability to mentor younger employees while fostering a spirit of teamwork on every route.
In a statement released late Wednesday, Union Pacific expressed profound grief over the loss of two valued members of their workforce: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Locomotive Engineer Clay Burt and Conductor Phillip Araujo. Both were highly respected employees who dedicated their lives to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our rail network. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and the entire Pecos community during this difficult time.”
The collision and subsequent derailment also involved three train cars carrying hazardous materials, including two cars loaded with lithium batteries. While the potential for an environmental catastrophe loomed in the immediate aftermath of the accident, officials quickly confirmed that none of the hazardous materials had breached their containers. Reeves County officials and hazardous material specialists worked through the night to secure the site and prevent any secondary incidents. Chief Lisa Tarango of the Pecos Police Department reassured the public, stating, “All hazardous materials have been contained, and there is no risk to the community. Our priority remains public safety, and we are taking every precaution as the investigation unfolds.”
Despite these assurances, the incident has reignited debates about the safety of transporting hazardous materials through populated areas, especially in light of recent derailments across the country. Lithium batteries, while essential to modern technology, are highly flammable and pose unique challenges in emergency situations. Experts note that even a small breach could have resulted in a significant fire or explosion. The swift containment of these materials has been praised as a testament to the professionalism and preparedness of local first responders.
The derailment also caused extensive damage to the Pecos Chamber of Commerce building, a cornerstone of the community that housed not only offices but also historical archives and community event spaces. At the time of the accident, several individuals were inside the building, including staff and visitors attending a holiday planning session. All occupants were able to evacuate safely, although some sustained minor injuries. One eyewitness, Maria Ramirez, described the harrowing moments after the train struck the building: “It felt like an earthquake. The walls shook, and we heard this deafening crash. We ran out as fast as we could, and when we got outside, the train was there, mangled and twisted. It was terrifying.”
As investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Union Pacific continue to piece together the events leading up to the derailment, preliminary findings suggest that the tractor-trailer was attempting to cross the tracks despite the presence of warning signals. The driver of the tractor-trailer, who survived the collision with minor injuries, is cooperating with authorities. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle may have stalled on the tracks, leaving insufficient time for the train crew to stop. Union Pacific has emphasized that its train was operating within the designated speed limit, and the train crew followed all standard operating procedures.
The tragic deaths of Burt and Araujo have sparked an outpouring of grief and support from across the railroad industry. Tributes have flooded social media, with fellow railroaders sharing memories of the two men and expressing solidarity with their families. One Union Pacific colleague wrote, “Clay and Phillip were more than coworkers—they were brothers. Their loss is a reminder of the risks we face every day and the importance of looking out for one another.”
In Pecos, the community is rallying to support the families of the victims. Local organizations have set up fundraising efforts to assist the Burt and Araujo families with funeral expenses and other needs. A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening at the Pecos High School football field, where community members will gather to honor the lives and legacies of the two men.
This incident also brings renewed attention to the broader issue of rail safety, particularly at grade crossings where trains intersect with roadways. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were 2,188 highway-rail crossing incidents in the United States in 2023, resulting in 249 fatalities. While these numbers represent a slight decrease from previous years, they underscore the ongoing challenges of preventing accidents at these intersections. Advocates for rail safety are calling for increased investment in grade separation projects, which involve constructing overpasses or underpasses to eliminate the risk of collisions at crossings.
The Pecos derailment has also prompted discussions about the training and support provided to train crews who face high-stakes, high-pressure situations daily. Union Pacific has pledged to review its protocols and provide additional resources to support its employees, particularly those affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the people of Pecos are left grappling with the loss of two respected community members and the questions surrounding the circumstances of their deaths. For many, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the transportation industry and the need for vigilance at every level—from individual drivers to corporate policies to federal regulations.
The legacies of Clay Burt and Phillip Araujo will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew them. Their dedication to their work and their community serves as an enduring testament to their character. As Pecos and the broader railroad community mourn their loss, there is a collective commitment to honoring their memory by advocating for safer practices and stronger protections for those who work tirelessly to keep the nation’s railroads running.
For now, the families of Burt and Araujo are asking for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss. In a statement released through a family spokesperson, the Burt family said, “Clay was not just a locomotive engineer—he was a husband, a father, and a friend to so many. He loved his work, but he loved his family even more. We are devastated by his loss but comforted by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received.”
As Pecos begins the long process of healing, the hope is that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes that prevent future accidents and protect the lives of those who dedicate themselves to the critical work of transportation.
