Available 
Available 
GARLAND, Dallas County, Texas, Oct. 3, 2026 — A pedestrian was killed on Friday morning, October 2, after being struck by a Dallas Area Rapid Transit train in Garland. The crash happened near the Blue Line tracks close to Newman and Austin streets.
The Garland Police Department said the crash occurred around 7 a.m. DART officials said the pedestrian tried to cross the tracks ahead of an approaching Blue Line train and was hit. The person died at the scene.
The pedestrian's identity has not been released. It remains unclear whether the person had any other options to cross at the time, and authorities have not said whether signals or crossing gates were in place at that section of track.
Garland Road between Walnut and State streets was closed for several hours on Friday morning while crews responded. DART set up a temporary bus link to carry riders between the Forest Lane/Jupiter and Downtown Garland stations while the Blue Line was affected. The affected streets and stations have since reopened.
The circumstances of the crossing remain under review. No further details have been released.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Pedestrian Deaths and Train Crossings by the Numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That figure includes crashes involving cars and trucks as well as rail incidents, and it reflects how frequently people on foot bear the worst outcome when struck by a vehicle of any size.
Train versus pedestrian crashes are a small slice of that total, but they tend to be fatal when they happen. A commuter train or light rail vehicle weighs far more than a car and cannot stop quickly, even at moderate speed. Crossing on foot ahead of an approaching train leaves little time for either the pedestrian or the operator to react once a crossing is underway.
Rail safety researchers point to a mix of factors behind these crashes: distraction, misjudging a train's speed or distance, and crossings without full gate arms or clear signals. Transit agencies around the country have leaned on public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades, but pedestrian behavior at the moment of crossing still plays a central role in most incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a vehicle or train?
If possible, call 911 or have a bystander call right away. Avoid moving unless staying in place creates further danger, and wait for emergency medical personnel to assess any injuries, even ones that seem minor at first.
Who has the right of way at a marked crossing?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks, but at rail crossings, trains cannot stop quickly, and pedestrians are expected to yield and wait until the crossing is clear before proceeding.
How can drivers and transit operators help reduce pedestrian crossing deaths?
Agencies usually point to better lighting, audible warnings, and clearly marked gates at crossings as effective tools, along with public education about the time it actually takes a train to stop.
What injuries are most common when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle or train?
Common injuries include head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries, which can range from moderate to fatal depending on the speed and size of the vehicle involved.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Garland, TX
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crossing accident should contact local police right away so officers can document the scene and begin an official report. Seeking medical evaluation promptly is important, even for those who feel fine immediately afterward, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms.
Witnesses should stay nearby if safe to do so and share contact information with responding officers, since firsthand accounts can be critical to understanding how a crossing accident unfolded. Those affected should also keep records of any medical visits and follow up with their own healthcare provider as needed.
