On June 28, 2004, the National Transportation Safety Board launched a Go-Team to investigate a rail collision which occurred near Macdona, Texas, about 14 miles west of San Antonio.

A westbound Union Pacific (UP) freight train traveling about 45 mph struck the side of the 63rd car of an eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight train that was entering the west end of the Macdona siding at milepost 225.36. The BNSF train was traveling about 20 mph. The collision occurred on the UP's San Antonio Division, Del Rio Subdivision.

The collision resulted in the derailment of the 4 locomotives and 19 cars in the UP train and 16 cars in the BNSF train. A small fire resulted, and a loaded tank car (the 16th car in the UP consist) was breached, resulting in the release of chlorine, a toxic gas. The area within a two-mile radius was evacuated. Each train crew consisted of an engineer and conductor. There were three fatalities, the UP conductor and two near-by residents. More than 40 people, including the UP engineer, firefighters and residents were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Preliminary property damages and environmental clean-up costs exceed $7 million.

NTSB General Information:
Press Releases and Advisories
Family Assistance
NTSB Investigative Process

Hearing Information:

April 26 - 27, 2005

• Press Release
• Agenda and Presentations
• Webcast

Investigation Information:

Public Docket

Past Press Releases:

• August 27, 2004
• July 16, 2004
• June 28, 2004