Union Pacific Worker Killed While Inspecting Rails Near Abilene, Texas

A Union Pacific worker was struck by an oncoming vehicle outside of Abilene, Texas, on Sunday afternoon while inspecting the rails from a hi-rail vehicle.

According to local news sources, 59-year-old Elmer Hulse, of Wakarusa, was in a hi-rail vehicle - a self-propelled pickup truck fitted with rail wheels - moving westbound on the railroad tracks. He was then struck by an oncoming vehicle at the intersection of the tracks and Jeep Road. Reports say that 52-year-old Jean Aker, of Abilene, was driving south on Jeep Road and did not see the hi-rail vehicle on the tracks.

The driver broadsided Hulse's hi-rail vehicle, causing it to leave the tracks and roll several times. Hulse was pronounced dead at the scene of the Texas railroad accident, while Aker was transported to a local hospital in Dickinson County with non-life-threatening injuries.

Union Pacific and local authorities will be investigating the Texas railroad worker accident. It is unclear what safety features are present at the intersection of the tracks and Jeep Road, or whether those safety features were working properly at the time of the accident.

Accidents involving rail employees are different than other types of traffic accidents and worker accidents. If you or a loved one has been harmed while working on the job for a railroad company, speak with a Texas FELA accident attorney today.