Details for 1940 Train-Truck Collision

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5215012628

Data

Marker Number 12628
Atlas Number 5215012628
Marker Title 1940 Train-Truck Collision
Index Entry 1940 Train-Truck Collision
Address 100 N. Tower Rd.
City Alamo
County Hidalgo
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 588823
UTM Northing 2895930
Subject Codes automobile topics; railroads
Marker Year 2002
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text On March 14, 1940, at this crossing of Tower Road and the Missouri Pacific rail line occurred an automobile accident resulting in the most fatalities on a Texas highway in the 20th century. An oncoming train collided with a truck carrying more than 40 agricultural workers, killing 34 of the workers, who ranged in age from ten to 48. The neighboring citrus packing plant served as headquarters for rescue operations. The tragedy affected many lives in the Alamo community and across the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in renewed attention to safety issues surrounding railroad crossings and the transportation of agricultural workers. (2002)

Location Map

View this record in full map (opens in new tab/window)