Deadly veterans parade crash to go to grand jury

A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. / AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, Texas A Texas prosecutor says a grand jury will consider the case involving a train collision that killed four veterans who were riding on a parade float.

Midland County assistant district attorney Eric Kalenak said Thursday that a newly impaneled grand jury is scheduled to hear the case Wednesday.

He declined to say whether the office is recommending an indictment in the Nov. 15 accident.

• No charges seen against vets parade crash driver
• Attorney: Driver in Texas parade crash "in shock"
• Officials: Vets' float crossed track after signals

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West Texas veterans parade crash

The veterans died when a flatbed truck they were riding on was struck by a Union Pacific train traveling 62 mph. The truck was the second float in a parade organized to honor wounded veterans and their wives.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Union Pacific said last month it was adjusting the timing of the crossing signal where the collision occurred.

[legalbutunjust]

"Union Pacific said last month it was adjusting the timing of the crossing signal where the collision occurred."

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That's right, that was the ticket all along- timing.

This train wasn't spotted or signaled upon until it was around only 900 feet away. At 62 mph, that's about 92 feet per second, far too fast for a large vehicle in the crossing to react to such an oncoming train. Not enough distance at all.

The signal should have occurred when the train was around 3000-3500 feet from the crossing. Period, bottom line.