By Matt Smith
msmith@trcle.com
A 15-year-old Rio Vista girl died Sunday after an Amtrak train struck her 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Rescue workers pronounced Katelan Baker of Rio Vista dead at the scene. The wreck occurred about 1:20 p.m. on Cleburne-Whitney Road in Rio Vista, Rio Vista Police Chief Steve Johnson said. Rio Vista police and fire and Texas Department of Public Safety personnel responded to the scene, Johnson said.
Baker, a freshman at Rio Vista High School, drove around the crossing arm and was struck by the oncoming train, according to witness reports. Baker had recently received her hardship driver’s license, according to reports.
The accident remains under investigation, Johnson said, adding that events of the accident appear consistent with witness statements. The crossing arms were down when the accident occurred, he said.
The arms at the crossing in question apparently come down occasionally when no train is present and remain so for several minutes causing drivers to grow impatient and drive around them, according to reports.
The city has reported the problem to the railroad twice over the last two weeks, Johnson said. He added that there have been no problems with the arms not working when a train is actually present.
“It’s just a tragic, tragic event to see such a young person lose her life,” said Rock McNulty, Rio Vista ISD superintendent. “I’m just sorry for her family and our students.
“I was at the high school this morning, and it’s just very quiet and somber. We’re going to get through this, but it’s going to take some time.”
The district called in counselors from other schools to help students and teachers deal with the tragedy of losing their classmate, McNulty said.
“We’re all grieving today and wanting only what’s best for Katelan’s family,” said Andra Sparks, Rio Vista HS principal. “But this is really hurting us all.”
