SEGUIN, Guadalupe County, Texas, Oct. 6, 2026 — A 73-year-old woman died Saturday night, October 3, after a freight train struck her vehicle on Tschoepe Road in Seguin. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened just before 8:30 p.m. north of East U.S. Highway 90.
DPS said in a preliminary report that a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus collided with the train at the crossing. The driver, identified by DPS as Kathleen Preece Oliver, was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other details about the crash have been released. The department said the investigation is ongoing, and additional information may follow as the case develops.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
A Common Misconception About Train Crossing Crashes
Many drivers assume a train is far enough away, or moving slowly enough, to clear a crossing safely before it arrives. Trains are heavier and faster than they look from a distance, and that assumption is often wrong. A freight train's size can make its speed hard to judge, and by the time a driver realizes it is closer than expected, there is rarely time to react.
Another belief is that these collisions are rare events confined to a handful of dangerous crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, an average of 2,001 grade-crossing incidents occurred per year from 2017 through 2022. That figure spans crossings nationwide, not just a small number of known trouble spots.
The physics of these crashes also get misunderstood. A train cannot stop quickly even when engineers see a vehicle on the tracks, because the weight and momentum involved require much more distance than a car or truck. Waiting for a train to slow down is not a safe strategy at any crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal crashes at rail crossings investigated?
Agencies like DPS typically document the scene, interview witnesses, and may coordinate with the railroad operator to review signal data, crossing equipment, and any available recordings. A preliminary report is often issued first, with findings updated as evidence is confirmed.
How long do these investigations usually take?
Timelines vary. Some conclude within weeks, while others take longer if toxicology results, mechanical inspections, or train data need to be reviewed in full.
Where do fatal crossing crashes tend to happen?
They are more common at crossings without gates or lights, in rural or semi-rural areas, and where visibility is limited by curves, vegetation, or darkness.
What to Do After a Train Crossing Crash in Seguin, TX
If you witness or are involved in a crash at a rail crossing, you should call 911 immediately and move to a safe distance if you are able. Do not attempt to move a vehicle that is stuck on or near the tracks; warn others nearby and wait for emergency responders.
Anyone involved, even without visible injury, should be evaluated by a medical professional, since the shock of a collision can mask pain or injury in the first hours afterward. It also helps to request a copy of the official crash report once it becomes available, and to keep a record of any communication with investigators or the railroad company in the days that follow.
