There have been 477 railway-related fatalities between January and August of this year, according to federal railroad safety data.

Wow, that's a BIG number! That's almost 2 per day.

Not a single word about the driver responsible for pulling a trailer full of veterans and their wives into the path of an oncoming freight train. Not a word.

Welcome to Texas.

What does Texas have to do with the bad semi driver? They don't have bad drivers in other states?

Condolences to the familes affected by this...

I dont understand how this float was capable of crossing the tracks with the lights flashing, the rails down and the train horn blasting?

even more confused on how people on a float didnt all just abandon ship when it was clear the train was barrelling down on them and the float wasnt moving.

were they all drunk? it's a valid question.

Very tragic and sad. Sincerest condolences to all involved, and thank you to all the brave warriors.

I was wondering the same things Jessica.

This is tragic but I have never been able to understand how ppl get hit by freight trains. Those locomotive engines max at about 30 mph until recently they started increasing speeds by repairing tracks etc..

So how can all of those people on the flatbed get hit?? some one had to hear it see it hell smell the burning diesel fuel or brakes if the operator saw them..

Jessica, the traffic in front of them got backed up, and the semi driver had crossed onto the track well before the lights flashed. The train was going 60mph. Not much time to react to something you probably weren't watching.

Dale no way that UP train was going 60 MPH. The engines in freight locomotives do not reach those speeds hauling.

actually they do indeed..the police said they had JUST upped the allowable speed on the train from 40 before..to 60 now.

I think that would be the allowable speed of the track. I still do not think it will go that fast hauling freight. Maybe switchers, steam or double locos heading for a hook up in another area.

Maybe tho I am no expert..

No matter what the speed of the train if the warning lights started they should be (and I think they are timed) to allow stalled cars to either be abandoned or gotten off the tracks. SO I also wonder why those on the trailer didn't abandon the ride and get the heck out of the way.

ANd Kjose - On the flat a freight can get up to 60 mph (and lets all admit Texas is pretty flat in spots).

In addition to prayers for the victims - my thoughts go out to the locomotive enginner - he has to sick over this, and he also is lucky to be alive.

These were disabled vets. Maybe some of them couldn't move very fast.

I see there is a problem with the train speeding. They are coming upon an intersection in a town. They should have been going really slow, not maximum speed ahead.

The article was not written that well, yes, they were some veterans that were in wheelchairs, kinda hard to jump ship when you can barely move around all the people trying to get off.

Such a tragic ending to what should have been a very loving and happy day for these guys and their families.

The lights did NOT come on till seconds befor train hit!! The arm came down on the trailer as it was crossing the tracts!!!! The train did NOT sound its horn till it was all most on the truck . Union Pacific Railroad is coversing its asses if the arms had went down sooner and lights came on BEFORE the train got to crossing no one would have been hurt/killed!!!! The driver of the semi had no warning the train was coming till it was too late!!!!! MSN does not have full story I live in Midland/Odessa

I have driven alongside freight trains going at least 60 mph for years. As to whether the train was speeding in town, that will come out in the investigation, I am pretty sure they have a "black box" type of recorder on those trains.

What part of 'diabled vet' do you not understand? many were in wheelchairs. Obviously some could and in this case, he chose to save his wife.

Really slow at every town,really. How about the old rule of not trying to cross a RR track unless there is more than enough room for your vehicle on the other side, never stop on a rr track for any reason, a rule nearly as old as rr crossings. Nothing new about incompetent drivers getting themselves and others in trouble on the road.

Kjosee Freight trains can reach speeds of 70 or 80 mph , if they have the space although 60 to 70 is usually their speed in open country. The number of cars and weight of the cars is calculated to see how much horsepower is needed to overcome the resistance of the cars. the horsepower needed, then determines how many locomotives are needed since their individual horsepower varies. This accident is why you should never stop on the tracks even in a traffic situation. The semi could have waited for the parade line to move before crossing the tracks. The semi driver was the only one at fault here. I know he must feel really bad.

Who says there aren't heroes anymore? Well done, Sir.

even more confused on how people on a float didnt all just abandon ship when it was clear the train was barrelling down on them and the float wasnt moving

Information released indicates that those at the back of the trailer were in wheelchairs - how do you propose they "abandon ship"?

Jessica 1170252 - "were they all drunk?" is not a valid question. What would it matter if they were drinking? They were wounded war veterans invited to ride on a float and be celebrated. I doubt the invitation asked them to stay alert as they may be struck by a train during the parade. Please stop viewing this tragedy to be the fault of the victims in any way.

A valid question sounds like this: Where were to police to navigate floats over the railway crossing during a parade? Where were the fail-safes to tell the train that a truck is on the tracks. Why didn't the truck driver try to move the truck? Did the driver believe the bells and wistles from the tracks and train were bluffing? Even in a traffic jam a few crushed cars costs less than four lives. And don't try to tell me that semi couldn't move forward, I've seen what a semi is capable of from a dead stop, if cars won't move the driver can make them.

I like how people are just blaming the semi-drive. It's damn easy to sit back on a keyboard and point the finger. It hasn't even been 24 h ours yet, perhaps the prudent thing to do is to wait for more information from both investigations and then decided what exactly the cause was. I personally won't fault a man when I myself, don't know 100% of the facts yet. But hey, I was only raised with manners by great parents who like myself were lucky enough to be raised in as great of a town as Midland. Our city is shocked and morning the loss of some damn good people, stop playing the blame game and wait for the facts.

Oh man....I cannot hold back the tears.

RIP Sgt. Michael. You truly proved your heroism outside of the Purple Hearts.

The guy is a hero once again. RIP, sir.

As far as all the analysis of the accident, I believe there is video from multiple angles, and I will just leave all that to the experts.

While trying to grasp the heroism of Sgt. Michael, I neglected to mention the others as well.

May all your families find peace and learn to live with this horrific and terrible situation.

Honor and Courage, SSG.

Hooah!

Prayers for the wife and the rest of the family. May God be with them and bless them in this time of trial and grief.

This is definitely tragic. I'm sorry that so many people who've sacrificed so much already had to die or suffer injuries. Joshua showed one last time how service members are willing to put other people's lives above their own.

Most accidents involving trains are due to people trying to sneak across the tracks after the lights and bells go off and even after the gate drops. I don't know what was going through this driver's mind, especially considering that he was carrying a "cargo" of people on an open flat-bed.

The amount of people killed by trains in this manner isn't usually reported nationally unless it is tragic. The last I remember was those high school girls who got killed playing a game parking their car on train tracks and then the engine wouldn't start. But like someone up above mentioned, there are hundreds of deaths from people trying to race across train tracks in front of a 1000 ton of steel train - the train always wins.

When the train warning lights go off and the bells start ringing and the gate drops, a few minutes of patience can be the difference of a long life or an abruptly cut short life.

Feed Up America

The truck driver is too blame for entering onto the tracks not allowing himself clearance as not have to stop on the tracks. regardless if lights/gates etc were or not working. If you cannot clear a track you are suppose to stop and wait to cross.

@Feed Up American - have you ever seen how school buses cross railroad tracks? They stop, the bus driver opens their door so they can see better in that direction. Then they look both ways to ensure no train is coming, because a bus takes longer than a car to cross train tracks. Then they proceed across the tracks. I actually think, because I have seen other large vehicles do this same thing, that it is a requirement for certain sized trucks and buses to do this. But I don't know if this requirement is different state-to-state.

But we don't have to take their words for what happened, both the train and the police car behind this truck had cameras so there's no amount of @$$ covering can contest filmed evidence. In the end, it will either be Union Pacific's fault or the truck driver's.

This is such a tragic incident. But what I am not seeing is anyone questioning why the parade organizer chose to have a parade route go through a railroad crossing! Was there another path to get to where they wanted to go? If not, then the parade needed to end before the tracks or the organizer should have come up with another way to honor the veterans.

Actually, I just went searching around for other stories on this. The police state that the truck driver got hit because he ignored the train warnings, the safety gates were already down and the truck driver drove around them to try and cross the tracks in front of the train. That ends the discussion about who was at fault right there. That makes this tragedy even worse because it was both senseless and preventable!

Jessica,

Does wounded vets means any thing to you. For me wounded vets mean they have some form of disability. Think before jumping to conclusion.

Simply Amazing 'how many vehicles that I see in my very own town crowd up to the VERY NEXT CAR in line even though they're now directly idling atop a set of RR Tracks with Nowhere to go!! LEAVE YOURSELF ENOUGH SPACE - - NO NEED TO TAILGATE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU IF IT AIN'T MOVING...ESPECIALLY IF NOW YOU'RE RESTING ON A SET OF RR TRACKS!!!

DUMB-A** SEMI DRIVER!!!!

Let me see I am on a trailer behind another truck and trailer and we are in parade what moving at a high rate of speed of course, NOT. the trains is on rails and it is moving at a high rate of speed, it could have been miles away when the truck crossed the tracks, the truck being in a parade near the end of it and with traffic in the area got caught on the tracks. Who is to fault yes the truck driver BUT is he to blame probably not as most of us would have done the same thing.Yes.

I think Rick's Real has a point that many on here have avoided. The town I live in and many of the smaller towns around us have the rails go through the town. It has always been my understanding as a driver that even if a crossing has lights and gates that you should stop and check both ways to make sure the tracks are clear in case the crossing lights and gate have malfunctioned. This is a drivers responsibility. Also if your in a line of cars that has stopped or are moving slowly it is my understanding that you stop before the tracks and only advance when there is room for you on the other side and never ever stop on the tracks. I would like to see the footage so it can seen if the gate malfunctioned or if somebody just tried to beat the gate as I have seen many times here in my town.

He died like the hero he was. God bless him and my condolences to his family and friends.

Well done, Union Pacific......your 2 employees did to 4 of our veterans what Al Qaeda could not.... Kinda conjures up thoughts of the Exxon Valdez....

I wouldn't be too quick to lay blame on the train crew.

Trains don't stop on a dime and are not equipped with steering wheels to avoid what lies in their path. That said, my heartfelt sympathies to the families of those who were killed. I had an uncle who survived 30 mission flying bombers over France and Germany only later to be killed by a freight train years after the war. A sad way for heroes to meet their end.

STOP...LOOK...LISTEN... is more than just a safety slogan when approaching railroad grade crossings, especially those protected only by a set of crossbucks (RAILROAD CROSSING, X signs). In town, never ever get caught between or under automatic crossing arms and place yourself in harms way. This is way worse than inconsiderately blocking an intersection in rush hour, with much deadlier consequences. This was a very preventable accident.

Rule of thumb when on or near tracks: Expect train movement in either direction at any time, and cross only when it is safe to proceed and clear them.

I was always told to stop, look, and listen as above precisely because the signals and the crossing gates could be malfunctioning; and you never want to risk your life for them. Also, we were told repeatedly never, ever to stop on the railroad tracks for any reason. However, I have seen people stop on the tracks all the time as they pull up to a red light because they can't stand to wait behind the tracks-heaven forbid they be delayed another 2 milliseconds after the light turns green! Once a lady pulled up behind me after I had cleared the railroad tracks and she stopped right on the tracks. While the light was still red, we heard the train horn and saw the signal begin to flash. Traffic was bunched in tight on both sides, and I had nowhere to go. The lady couldn't wait, so she rammed me from behind! I still don't think she cleared the railroad tracks, but the train was still in the station and it apparently waited until the tracks were completely clear before starting. The gate didn't come down until the train began to go.

The driver didn't try to outrun it.

It was a parade and he unfortunately went 1/2 way across and got backed up.

I dont understand why everyone did not get off when they saw the train coming. There has to be more to the story that I dont know about.

Maybe the train was around the corner until it was quite close. They say trains can come up on you much faster than you think and you don't hear them coming until they sound the horn.

We used to lose two students a year at the university I attended. The train that ran through town was almost impossible to hear if it was behind you. It's weird but something about the way the buildings were set up on either side. Kids would use the tracks to run to class if they were late, wouldn't hear the train and get hit. It was horrible.

Cappy - The NPR station in Dallas reported that most people on the float were in wheelchairs, which is why they had a tough time dismounting the trailer in an expedient manner. :(

@Cappi. Some on the float were disabled and couldn't move fast and some were helping the women off . When the train hit it it knocked the float into them.

It was driver error for sure. The driver of the semi is considered a professional driver, and went to school to get his or her lic.. I once drove over the road, and there is no way in hell would I pull onto any tracks without proper clearance ahead of me. This person should lose their lic, and be held on manslaughter charges.

My first thought was--although a terrible tragedy--at least it saved a few whitetail deer lives.

People like you make me sick.

you and people LIKE you are what is wrong with this country....white tailed deer repopulate quickly..leading to overbreeding and starvation. Equating human life with a deer is moronic..but now that everyone knows you feel this way...the next time it's a squirrel or you I save the squirrel.

Try some reading comprehension--nowhere did I equate the 2 lives. I simply said all life was sacred. If you disagree--that is your right--and I respect it.

I pity the fools. Father forgive them--for they know not what they do (or say)...

Hunting, an American tradition for more than two hundred years isn't what I would call a noble venture or an honorable way to celebrate maimed veterans. That being said, the fact that they were afforded a free hunting trip does NOT call for their horrific deaths and/or near death experiences. Outlaw hunting unless it's a last resort to contain an animal population (actually birth control methods are better.) But please don't let the hunting part of the story keep you from feeling and expressing the sadness and empathy for those precious human lives affected.

Many organizations try and help wounded Veterans integrate back into the community by organizing hunting expeditions. It makes you feel like you can accomplish something again. PETA and those who have those same views forget that GOD put animals here for us to eat. Most animals harvested during these hunts go to food banks to feed those who need the food. May God bless the souls of the lives lost in this tragedy.

Let me guess, you guys rather get your meat from store bought in pretty package with no signs of horror of butchering cattle.

Just ignoring the part about these are disabled veterans. Normally their income is alot smaller than well-bodied individuals that can actually work. Hunting is alot cheaper and healthier than store bought meat. Deer is not pumped with antibiotics, tainted with salmonella and other nasties. In your own words, you can call it organic since it's grass fed. I don't hunt but understand the dynamics and yes I do eat store bought meat.

And yes, hunting and fishing is a great outlet to release stress. And being a disabled vet, they have enough on their plate. Not everyone can afford store bought meat since it keeps going up. What do you recommend they do? Take up knitting?

Go ahead and drink your starbucks and leave your bias peta views outside the door.

Maxwell, do you eat meat?

First off, as much as I hate hunting, this trip was organized because soldiers like this sort of activity. It was voluntary, and I would imagine a real treat for people who are into that kind of thing. I would also imagine any soldiers who didn't want to hunt, were afforded some other activity.

This town was doing something for our soldiers, something they liked, something we all should do for the people who suffer the hardship of out political classes.

Secondly, white tail do not have over populations in Texas. If you want to hunt fine, I hate it, but I also eat meat and realize that I am indirectly killing animals. My point, quit making excuses as to why you hunt, especially ones that are ridiculous, like you care about deer populations. Hunting is legal and it's a sport that many folks enjoy.

What seems to have happened is the semi went through the tracks, the parade stopped, and like many railroad accidents, it could not get off the tracks. It is odd that no one got off the truck considering the lights came on and the train whistled. But remember, there were injured Vets, maybe some of them couldn't get off an no one else wanted to abandon them, who knows at this point, but it's enough people to know there had to be a legitimate reason.

The tracks were OK'ed for trains to go 60 mph because the residents complained about the waiting times when the train went 40mph. No one knows how fast the train was going right now, but it's a business, and I suspect trains go as fast as they are legally allowed. It may have slowed down when it was the truck, but it was going fast.

And lastly, this is the fault of the semi-driver if the the details are accurate so far. Doesn't matter if it was a parade, a semi is not suppose to go over tracks until a path is clear. That is like CDL 101, ditto for school buses. It's a shame that he is will lose his license and might even do some jail time, but he took on the responsibility of those people's lives, and he made a mistake that cost people their lives.

This is such a tragedy. I am glad people hunt rather than eat cows that have been tortured from birth. I don't hunt myself, but I respect those who do it with thought & care.

I live in Texas and only two hours away from Midland. I actually know people from Midland. This is a horrible tragedy and I pray for everyone involved. On the hunting aspect, in Texas and in many other states it is a way of life. I was raised hunting deer, turkey, dove, hog etc... and to be honest a lot of times that was all we had to eat. Hunting gives you such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Being outdoors sitting in a tree stand or in a blind and seeing that big buck or doe walk out is an experience I feel everyone should experience before you knock it. I think it is totally awesome to give our Veterans a weekend of being out in the country in the peace and quiet away from all the City Yuppies and noise. So please get off your PETA trip and fry up some deer meat...you'll love it!!!

The deer will still die one way or another. Hunters know not to hunt pregnant does or fauns. Therefore, the deer who "escaped being hunted" by this accident can still die from starvation or by being hunted by wolves - it's not like wild animals end up in retirement. Honestly, do you "life is sacred" people ever think these things through?

Actually this is a story about a hero soldier that saved his wife's life but lost his. But your agenda and insults toward nonhunters is all you could post about? Honestly, do you have a soul or is it you feel the need to be heard?

RIP Joshua Michael

I happen to be a vegetarian for more than one reason, but this is not the time or the place to discuss that with regard to these veterans. I applaud all our vets for doing the jobs they are assigned to do and I can probably live with one hunting trip or two. My prayers go to all the men who died in this awful accident and to their families as well.

I live in Odessa and I go to Midland quite often--it is only 20 miles away.
I absolutely HATE this intersection--in the over 20 years i have lived here and in the many many times I have been to Midland-I may have gone thru THAT INTERSECTION 10 times max.
It is a very dangerous crazily done intersection.
As for faulting ANYONE--perhaps we all need to wait until the investigation is done!
instead - PRAY PRAY PRAY

WTF is wrong with you POS's (above) who are talking about dear-hunting and animal rights when we have lost 4 veterans during this tragedy? Get the hell off of this site if your pea-brains can't follow the discussion...

You've never dealt with a railroad, have you? I have (bridge construction), and NOBODY but NOBODY tells a railroad "no trains". The railroad's response is, "obey the signals and stop at the crossing like everybody else." And if the driver of this truck had done that, this wouldn't have happened.

Thee-

If the railroad would just agree to "no" for all parades and gatherings around tracks you may as well get rid of the rail road they would be on hold all of the time.

If you ask me the float driver should not have crossed until his float had room on the other side to clear the track.. My ASSUMPTION is that they were rushing because they did not want the last 2 floats coming that far behind the rest..

Hey genius, railroads always have the right a way. It takes 1/2 to 2 miles for a train to stop.

So..... you want railroads to not use the trains for a whole day? Really? Well let me call the railroad company to stop the use of trains because I hate waiting for few mins to pass everytime I go to work then.

This tragedy could have been averted if someone had a brain and thought ahead. Now, people are dead because some dolt did not think the process through and made sure the parade route was safe.

No. Tragedy could have been averted if the the moron that operated that float cannot stop fully at a trainstop and not park right on the train tracks. City Buses, Cargo trucks and school buses do it....... why not this moron driver? Forgot. It's never the driver's fault. It's everyone else's fault. The government, city officials, the train operator, etc...

Some people sure do have a simplistic view of the way things should be, like, lets stop a train for a whole day because some parade might be crossing the tracks for a minute. How about you just use common sense and don't stop on a train track. Oh I forgot, ......common sense isn't all that common anymore.

"No trains on the track that day" would translate into no timely delivery of bananas, coal, or grain, etc., for Thee Ox.

The story states the accident happened BEFORE they made it to the parade route. They were headed to it. There were many people that made the statements regarding the driver. I am an old heavy truck driver and I can tell you it's mandatory for trucks with large trailers to NOT cross the tracks until there it proper clearance for the truck and trailer. That being said, the driver probably wasn't a CDL holder and probably just driving his dad's truck with a trailer attached. He probably saw all the other trucks and trailers in front doing the exact same thing so he thought it was okay. Sad that this happened but the details will emerge eventually once the DOT gets involved.

May the people of Midland,the families of those killed or injured find solace and peace during this tragic time.This is truly a heartbreaking story. HEROES ALL... R.I.P.

IRONIC PHOTOGRAPH

I wanted to see the site of the accident so I went to Google Earth and took a look at the intersection in Midland TX.The tracks are located between W.Front St. and W.Industrial Ave on S.Garfield St. As I zoomed in on the tracks I was taken aback as it appears at the moment that Google captured the shot there is a Big rig truck hauling some kind of trailer and IT IS ON THE TRACKS( almost in th exact same position of the float) behind a car that has stopped at a traffic light.Although this truck is heading north not south. I found it very disturbing that this truck TOO left itself in a very vulnerable position.I know there are laws about RR crossings,clearance etc.Please follow them.This accident should never have happened.EVER.

Hey Had enuff: Damn right I'm a genius. Thanks for stating the obvious.

In Closing: AHHHHHHH, SHAD UP!

Hey Amused Muse

"No trains on the track that day" would translate into no timely delivery of bananas, coal, or grain, etc., for Thee Ox.

Yer so right! How could I possibly go a whole day without a banana! Oh, wait..I Know! IF IT MEANT SAVING THE LIFE OF EVEN ONE HUMAN BEING I COULD!

So sorry that a banana means more to you than the life of a human being or coal or grain.

Got Compassion?

It is like a car at some intersections--especially when the intersection explicitly directs drivers not to block. The driver of the car--or float--waits until enough clearance exists to pass, then continues. Should become standard practice.

It is a standard. Watch your city buses, school buses and semis...... they do this daily.

The driver of the float probably thought that rule doesn't apply to him.

They said they could not ascertain if the lights and swing arms were working at the time. If they were on the tracks, then chances are they were not working or had been turned off for the parade without knowledge that a train was coming. I am betting they were not working.

it doesn't matter if the lights or arms were working or not. You just don't cross the tracks unless you have enough room to do so. IT'S THAT SIMPLE. Have people really gotten that stupid that they have to have flashing lights and gates to keep them off the tracks? But course the train company is probably going to pay for the float driver's stupidity.

Black Knight...it has already been established that the gates and lights were working.

How do you feel about unborn fetuses? Does "the goddess" value them, too? Or did "she" vote like all the other women in this country?

Airdog--how about you? Do you love the fetus but hate the child?

How do feel about women? From your comment--"Or did "she" vote like all the other women in this country?" you sound unhappy with your sister citizens--are you? Women--like men--have a right to vote any way they wish.

Do you think rape pregnancies are a gift from god(dess)? Are you for medical help for pregnant women--before, during and after birth? What about welfare for poor mothers and children? How about contraception to prevent unwanted pregancy? Are you for capital punishment? How about war--is that ok with you?

Speaking as a former fetus myself--I would prefer to be aborted than born into an abusive situation where I was unwanted. Life is difficult enough when one is born wanted.

But aren't you WAY off topic, The A? This article was about vets killed in a parade and the possible saving of some whitetail deer' lives. Why not wait for a pro-choice article before you begin attacking me? I only stated my opinion to which I am entitled in this home of the free and land of the brave.

Besides before you attack women and abortion--can you get pregnant? If not--STFU, ok? If men could get pregnant--let's face it, The A--abortion would be a sacrament.

And that's my opinion (thanks for asking!)

But aren't you WAY off topic,

Umm... You went way off topic when you started talking about saving deer when the article was about people killed by a train heading to a hunting trip

had enough: Umm... You went way off topic when you started talking about saving deer when the article was about people killed by a train heading to a hunting trip"

BUZZZER!!! WRONG! I was, in fact, replying to David's comment (#3) above me. (#7 was an accidental double posting for which I already apologized) Why not attack David too? Although I do feel special in being singled out by you.

And thanks for playing!

Well you said you double posted and I only responed to this thread. I'm not going to look through multiple posts just because you double posted.

My first thought was--although a terrible tragedy--at least it saved a few whitetail deer lives. And before anyone jumps on me--all life is sacred in god(dess) eyes. And we don't need to kill deer to eat anymore. These vets were in no danger of starvation if they did not kill those deer.

FYI, wounded and disabled vets tend to make less income over the years than civilian counterparts due to their injuries. Offering a cheaper alternative anyway possible helps. Hunting is very economical, healthier and cheaper. Where can you get grass fed, fresh and healthy meat for for cheap? My grocery store sells the cattle meat filled with antibiotics, sometimes salmonella. If you want organic free range meat..... then its alot higher. Where you think those store bought meat in pretty packages come from? Meat fairy?

The average deer yields 50 pounds of meat. This comes to $1.00 per pound or about 25 cents per serving. The retail costs of the same cuts of beef are $2-$5 dollars per pound. Food banks tell us that meat is their least available food item due to the high cost ($2-$5 per pound for beef) and that they gratefully accept venison donations. Venison is a nutritious, low fat, high protein meat.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/FHFH/fhfh.asp

FYI, david didn't respone to this thread so I'm not responding to him.

The fact that 4 of these great people died on that float is indeed tragic! But I must say that the fact that a few harmless deer are still living is a blessing. There is no need for a deer or a human to die!!

There is no need for a deer or a human to die!!

Tell that to a wolf.

If you get hit by a train, it is your own fault. It is easy to see where the tracks are. It is simple to understand that if you are on the tracks and a train comes you will get run over. And it is very obvious when you are on the tracks and a train is coming you better get off quick.

If you pull your vehicle up on the tracks without room on the other side to exit the tracks, that is your fault.

If you are on the tracks and not looking for a possible train, that is your fault.

If you are on the tracks and the safty bar comes down and the lights start flashing, and you don't get immediately off the tracts, that is your fault.

and,

If you are on the tracks, see a train, and do not get immediately off the tracks that is your fault too.

I find it impossible to believe that the driver of the float couldn't do something when disaster was apparent to get off the tracks. He shouldn't have stopped on the tracks to start with. That is a no brainer. But after having made the first error, doing nothing to move out of the way is inexplicable.

IMO... Quoting MAXWELL'S SILVER HAMMER "This article was about vets killed in a parade and the possible saving of some whitetail deer' lives"

I thought the article was about a train crashing into a float being towed by a big rig truck and that the float was carrying disabled veterans. One of the vets was a hero in life and tragically died while saving the life of his wife. RIP HERO Joshua Michael ... This article had nothing to do w/the possible saving of deer live's. As usual I am confused by comments that go wayyyy off topic to suit the individual needs of the commenter and not only you HAMMER . This was a many faceted, tragic accident ...Bless those dead and injured and their families. May all find some solace and peace during this painful time.

AS an aside.. To HAMMER and others who go off topic on occasion. I do understand that some were glad the deer hunt was called off.Bring up your views on deer hunting when there is an article posted on the pointless slaughter of animals.Or go make a donation At butterballabuse . com .As an animal rights believer in...but not a so good writer..lol..my point is that there is a time and a place for everything and everyone.I am in no way defending the comment made by AIRDOGS which was inappropriate and had the effect of sending Hammer off the deep end. WE all need to be aware of how a comment from an anonymous anyone can flip a switch and then IT'S ON. It has happened to me and I am confident that most people who are reading this have experienced a REACTION comment.

I am myself at this very moment, going off topic.Now isn't that ironic, doncha think? Making comments is what we as human beings should have the right to do and we enjoy doing it too.Staying on topic is a great idea. Well,ummm with that being said... I think I will now step down off my soapbox ;)

"Greater love hath no man"... RIP Sgt. Michael

Hand.... Salute.

If saving his wife even if it means sacrificing his own life isn't the automatic reaction of ANY husband then he doesn't deserve the title.

It doesn't matter if the train travels 60 mph or 10 mph. There are signs and rules up for a reason anytime you stop at a train tracks. Stop fully at a train tracks and look both ways. Then only go over if you have enough room and never stop right in the middle of the tracks. It's not the first trucks fault. Blame it on the right person. The driver of the float that ignored all rules when driving over train tracks. Buses and semi do it, why not him.

The driver should have stepped on the gas and go right through the first vehicle or over the side. Better to aquire damage then answer why he killed several people.

Cindy, love Texas? Take I-95 south!

Just kidding. Having moved from NJ to Texas ("boy, you're not from around here, are ya?) and seeing those bumper stickers, I couldn't resist.

But on the more serious side, I feel for all people who have been affected by wars, but I disagree that Iraq or Afganistan have anything to do with protecting my freedom. And, I was in NY on Sep.11, 2001, I was angry and wanted revenge for a short period of time till W told me to go out and buy a new suit. Killing is not the answer. Love is all we need.

David-2319136, those who fight for your freedom don't have the luxury of picking where, when, and how they fight for freedom. Whether on the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Viet Nam, or the deserts of Afghanistan, they ARE MOST DEFINITELY fighting for America, so that people like you don't have to.....and can smugly sit home and judge the validity of their sacrifice.....whether you're worth it or not....

Maxwell: You'll fight for your own freedom? Highly doubtful since you seem a tad light in the loafers. You have no respect for our military. If it weren't for them you wouldn't be able to hide behind your computer typing out insults. GTFO

I bet she's the same group that whines the loudest on why they have to pay taxes but yet use public roads, sewer system, electric grid, use of public schools, etc........

@ Maxwell that is easy for you to say . You have your freedom and thus do not have to fight for it. I wonder how you received that freedom?

Maxwell, I understood what you were saying to the one that brought the whole issue of ABORTION into this thread. As for hunting, sorry but my husband hunts and enjoys it. Frankly I can take it or leave it. To each his own.

As for freedom,, sorry but someone somewhere at some point did fight for your ( and all of our) freedom to speak your mind. I may disagree with you about hunting, but I will not abuse you for your opinion about it.

Unless the rest of you know Maxwell personally, I'd say give it a rest. You are no better or worse than they are.

Tristian Hicks Williams, 26, was reported dead on the scene after she drove her minivan around lowered gates and was hit by a northbound commuter train around 8:15 a.m.

Her two sons were transported by the Chicago Fire Department to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where they were treated for injuries sustained in the accident. Jayvon, 4, had contusions to the face, and JonKing, 6, suffered two broken legs, according to news reports.

http://www.beverlyreview.net/atf.php?sid=8469

Such a tragedy. Chicago, go figure. Succeed.

Your statement is contradictory in some aspects. " We are losing this county because of this government" Yet you state that they sacrificed their lives and other things to defend this country. Which are you going to take? Or are you that impartial and just spouting nonsense?

Philipp-3856986 The country is on the right track except for people like you. Now get back to what the post is about

Amen hillcountrytexas!!!

What a heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to the survivors, wives and the vets who were already injured and are injured again. I pray for their recovery. Bobby P O - there are many people who are not veterans who help their fellow man such as the people who jump onto subway tracks to rescue people from oncoming trains...don't be so harsh in your judgment. Be at peace within yourself.

His actions show what real purple hearts are for. As for serving in the military, if you think fighting to line the pockts of the rich is patriotism, that is your opinion all to itself. As for me, I won't go into another country and pick a war so that I can control the oil for my own wealth and convince others that it's for freedom. You need to ask yourself, why our country got attacked in the first place and get away from the fact that you just migh be ignorant....Bobby

Yeah, Chiq, it's all about oil. Are you really that ignorant or just pulling our chain?

I was just about to write that. It's what we do..!!!