Train-Truck Collision

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)

Train-Truck Collision is a historical marker in Alamo, Hidalgo County, dedicated in 2002. It is one of 138 historical markers documented in Hidalgo County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 236 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 26.1816, -98.1111 near Alamo. The nearest cataloged historic site is Sain Joseph Catholic Church (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include City of Alamo Museum, St Joseph's, and Camp Ebenezer.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5215012628. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.