An Amtrak Mardi Gras train struck a pickup truck in Irvington, Ala., marking the third collision on the New Orleans-to-Mobile route since August and prompting renewed safety warnings. Officials note Texas—including Houston—continues to rank among the nation’s highest for rail-crossing incidents.
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An eastbound Amtrak train on the Mardi Gras route, journeying from New Orleans to Mobile, collided with a pickup truck on Wednesday in Irvington, Alabama. This incident marks the third crash on this line in under four months. No injuries were reported; however, the incident has heightened scrutiny regarding rail-crossing behavior along the Gulf Coast. This includes Texas communities near Houston, where rail-safety campaigns remain a significant focus.
A collision took place at the Bayou La Batre Highway crossing, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Mobile. Footage from the location shows a white pickup truck maneuvering past a lowered crossing gate, nearly clearing the tracks before being struck by the train, which sent it spinning to the side. The driver escaped without injury, and the cab sustained minimal damage.
Two tragic fatal crashes in Mississippi have occurred on the Mardi Gras route since its inception in August. In September, a tragic incident occurred in Pass Christian when a train collided with a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of both individuals inside. One person was killed when a car in Gautier ignored lowered gates and collided with an approaching train in November. Each of the three incidents occurred under distinct conditions; however, all involved drivers approaching crossings with warning systems in operation.
Amtrak emphasized the importance of exercising due care. The recent accident highlights “the necessity of adhering to regulations and exercising utmost caution at railroad track crossings,” stated spokesperson Marc Magliari. He noted that Amtrak collaborates with Operation Lifesaver to enhance public awareness regarding track safety. Before the Mardi Gras route began, Amtrak, in collaboration with the Southern Rail Commission, unveiled animated public education videos encouraging drivers to heed crossing signals.
In light of recent incidents, rail officials remain optimistic that the line’s ridership will exceed initial projections. Magliari expressed concern over the troubling pattern. “It is disheartening that these frequently tragic events take place, regardless of the time or location,” he stated. “Our commitment to public education initiatives will persist both locally and beyond.”
National data underscore the difficulties at hand.
In 2024, the Federal Railroad Administration documented 2,264 collisions at highway-rail grade crossings. Texas topped the list with 283, nearly 100 ahead of California. Rail-dense regions, notably the Houston area and coastal counties like the Gulf Coast, continue to play a pivotal role in current education campaigns focused on crossing safety and enforcement.
The collision on Wednesday caused the Amtrak train to stop for approximately 100 minutes before continuing its journey to Mobile. Authorities have confirmed the investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that the warning systems at the crossing were operational.
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