Fatal Train-Vehicle Collision in Haltom City Claims Life of Emilio Martinez, 5; Driver Charged with Manslaughter

A devastating train-vehicle collision in Tarrant County on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, resulted in the death of a 5-year-old boy after the vehicle he was riding in was struck by a Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter train. Fort Worth Police responded to the scene at Elliot Reeder Road and Colony Court shortly before 4 p.m., where a Dodge Charger had been hit by a TRE train.

According to investigators, the railroad crossing arms were down near Elliot Reeder Road and Colony Court when the driver, 24-year-old Fabian Riojas, drove around the barricades and attempted to cross the tracks. The train struck the passenger side of the vehicle, throwing the car approximately 300 yards from the point of impact.

The child victim was identified by family members as Emilio Martinez, and relatives confirmed that Riojas is the boy's uncle. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, while Riojas was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. None of the 43 passengers aboard the TRE train were injured in the collision.

Riojas has since been charged with manslaughter and booked into the Fort Worth Jail. Fort Worth Police spokesperson Tracy Carter addressed the preventable nature of the tragedy, emphasizing the responsibility drivers bear when transporting children.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at the railroad crossing where Elliot Reeder Road intersects with Colony Court, an area situated along the boundary between Haltom City and Fort Worth in Tarrant County. Fort Worth Police noted that while the crash occurred in Haltom City, the vehicle with the victims ended up in Fort Worth due to the force of impact, placing jurisdiction of the investigation with Fort Worth Police.

The Trinity Railway Express line passes through Richland Hills and Haltom City as it approaches Interstate 820, taking a southwest turn toward downtown Fort Worth. This section of track is part of the commuter rail corridor that runs along a former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad line connecting Dallas and Fort Worth.

The crossing in question was equipped with active warning devices, including automatic crossing gates that were activated at the time of the collision. The incident caused significant disruptions to TRE service, with DART requesting bus shuttles between Trinity Lakes and Fort Worth Central stations to assist displaced passengers.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Texas law explicitly addresses the responsibilities of motorists at railroad crossings. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.251, an operator commits an offense if they drive around, under, or through a crossing gate or barrier while the gate or barrier is closed, being closed, or being opened. When a crossing gate is lowered or signals warn of an approaching train, operators must stop not closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

Criminal charges arising from fatal railroad crossing violations can include manslaughter, as demonstrated in this case. Individuals who fail to stop at railroad crossings may face substantial penalties including license suspension, significant fines, and potential jail time.

For surviving family members of accident victims, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in Texas is two years from the date of the victim's death. Eligible parties who may file a wrongful death claim in Texas include the surviving spouse, parents, and children of the deceased. Potential compensation in wrongful death cases may include medical expenses, loss of income and financial support, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services:

• Fort Worth Police Department: (817) 392-4222
• Haltom City Fire Department
• Fort Worth Fire Department Medical Services
• Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office

Transportation Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation Railroad Safety: txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws/railroad-crossing-tips
• Federal Railroad Administration Safety Resources
• Operation Lifesaver Texas (railroad safety education)

Transit Information:

• Trinity Railway Express Service Alerts: trinityrailwayexpress.org
• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): dart.org
• Trinity Metro: ridetrinitymetro.org

State Traffic Laws:

• Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545 (Operation and Movement of Vehicles)
• Texas Transportation Code Section 545.251 (Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train)

Victim Support Services:

• Tarrant County Victim Assistance Program
• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Texas