WFAA : UPS Driver Killed in Hunt County Train Collision at Rural Crossing
FLOYD, Texas – A quiet rural crossing in Hunt County became the site of a tragic collision Thursday morning when a freight train struck a UPS delivery truck, claiming the life of a 24-year-old driver and leaving a community in mourning .
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on October 24, 2025, near County Roads 1152 and 1153 in the community of Floyd, west of Greenville . The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the driver as Dusty L. Soles of Celeste, Texas, who died at the scene after failing to yield the right-of-way to an oncoming Canadian Pacific Railway train .
This devastating crash highlights the potential dangers of passive railroad crossings, which lack the automatic gates and flashing lights designed to warn drivers of approaching trains. Sky4 footage from the scene confirmed the crossing involved in Thursday’s incident appeared to have no such protective arms .
A Community Shaken by Tragedy
The impact of the collision reverberated beyond the tracks. Betty Maqueda, who lives just across the street from the crossing, heard the devastating crash from inside her home .
“I just can’t believe that it happened because usually the train is really loud. you can hear it from a mile away or farther,” Maqueda told WFAA, her voice heavy with emotion. Freight trains pass through the small community of Floyd multiple times each day, their horns a familiar sound .
Maqueda’s thoughts, like those of many in the community, immediately turned to the driver’s family. “I’m really sad for the family,” she said. “I’ll be praying for them” .
The Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and DPS troopers responded to the scene, where they found the UPS Freightliner box truck heavily damaged and burned . The force of the collision was severe, leaving the wrecked remains of the truck as a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded .
The Investigation and Official Response
Authorities quickly began an investigation to determine the precise sequence of events. DPS Sgt. Kyle Bradford, speaking at the scene, indicated that initial evidence suggested the driver may have been distracted while approaching the tracks .
“Currently what we have is that the driver was possibly distracted crossing those tracks and pulled in front of the train,” Sgt. Bradford told WFAA .
The conductor of the Canadian Pacific Railway train was not injured in the incident, and the train itself did not sustain severe damage .
In the wake of the crash, UPS released a statement mourning the loss of their team member. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our team members,” UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer said. “Our thoughts are with our driver’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time” .
The company confirmed it is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues and has deferred additional questions to the authorities .
The Broader Context of Railroad Crossing Safety
This fatal incident in Hunt County brings renewed attention to the ongoing discussions about safety at rural railroad crossings across Texas and the United States. Unlike active crossings with gates, bells, and lights, passive crossings rely solely on signage—the classic “crossbuck” X-shaped sign—and the vigilance of drivers to look and listen for trains.
For WFAA, reporting on local tragedies like this is a core part of our mission to keep North Texas communities informed and safe. The investigation into this crash remains active as officials work to provide answers and, potentially, prevent similar tragedies in the future. The memory of a young life lost on a routine delivery route will undoubtedly linger in Hunt County long after the investigation concludes.