Callahan County, TX (February 2, 2026) – Two Clyde CISD students were killed following a collision involving a truck and a train in Callahan County, according to officials. The crash occurred at the railroad crossing at County Road 243 and FM 18, in the area between Buttermans Grill and Clyde High School. Authorities reported that the 16-year-old driver of the truck and an 18-year-old passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene. The Texas Department of Public Safety stated that the driver failed to yield to an oncoming train. The train crew was not injured. The Clyde Police Department asked the public to avoid the area while the scene was being handled.
Key Details
- Location: Callahan County, TX
- Where: County Road 243 & FM 18 (railroad crossing near Clyde)
- Type: Truck-Train Crash
- Reported: February 1
- Injuries: Confirmed – 2 fatalities
- Responding Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety; Clyde Police Department
What We Know So Far
- A truck and a train collided at the railroad crossing at CR 243 and FM 18 near Clyde.
- The crash occurred between Buttermans Grill and Clyde High School.
- The 16-year-old driver and 18-year-old passenger were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The train crew was uninjured.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The exact time the crash occurred.
- Additional circumstances leading up to the collision beyond the failure-to-yield report.
- Whether any other vehicles were impacted near the crossing.
- How long will the area remain restricted during the response and investigation.
Local Context
The railroad crossing at County Road 243 and FM 18 sits along a rural stretch outside Clyde, near local landmarks including Buttermans Grill and Clyde High School. Crossings in these areas often involve higher-speed traffic transitioning between county roads and farm-to-market routes, which can leave little room for error when trains approach. In incidents involving fatalities, response efforts typically include securing the scene, coordinating with rail personnel, and conducting documentation that may take time before the area fully reopens. Officials asked drivers to avoid the area as crews worked at the crossing and gathered information related to the crash.
What to Do Next
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and avoid entering restricted areas around the crossing.
- If you witnessed the crash, consider staying to provide a statement if it is safe to do so.
- Check traffic advisories before traveling through the CR 243 and FM 18 area, as delays can develop quickly.
- Remain alert at all railroad crossings, stop when required, and never attempt to cross when a train is approaching.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
A: Drivers should slow down, watch for emergency vehicles and personnel, and follow any posted detours or instructions to keep the area safe for responders and those involved.
Q: Why are train crashes often so severe?
A: Trains are extremely heavy and cannot stop quickly, so collisions at crossings often result in serious or fatal injuries due to the force of impact.
Q: Can an investigation continue after the scene is cleared?
A: Yes. Authorities may continue reviewing evidence, statements, and reports even after traffic resumes, especially in fatal crashes where detailed reconstruction may be required.
