safety
Itasca resident reacts after one person dies in FedEx-train crash
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Chantale Belefanti , KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 24, 2026
· 2 min read
On Thursday, a train crashed into a FedEx van as it crossed the tracks. One resident said she was home at the time of the accident. Passenger Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel, 25, of Dallas, passed away from the crash The driver is said to be in critical condition BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT: I saw a full winds...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Chantale Belefanti, KXXV (ABC 25) News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 25, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Passenger Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel, 25, of Dallas, passed away from the crash The driver is said to be in critical condition BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT: I saw a full windshield, a visor, and a headlight," said local neighbor Cassidee Merrifield.
Why this matters in The Waco
The fatal crash of a FedEx van into a train in Itasca raises concerns about railroad crossing safety in McLennan County. Local resident Cassidee Merrifield's account of the incident, including the lack of arms at the crossing, highlights the need for improved safety measures. The absence of warning signals at this particular crossing is a decision made by the federal government, according to Union Pacific. This incident may prompt a review of railroad crossing safety in the area, particularly in rural communities like Itasca where such accidents can have devastating consequences. As the community mourns the loss of Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel, it is crucial to examine the safety protocols in place at railroad crossings and consider upgrades to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident also underscores the importance of collaboration between local authorities, railroad companies, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of residents and commuters in McLennan County.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On Thursday, a train crashed into a FedEx van as it crossed the tracks. One resident said she was home at the time of the accident. Passenger Sheldon Gutierrez-Rangel, 25, of Dallas, passed away from the crash The driver is said to be in critical condition BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT: I saw a full winds...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chantale Belefanti at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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