FORT WORTH, Texas - A routine Wednesday afternoon commute turned to tragedy when a car attempting to bypass activated railroad crossing barricades was struck by a train, killing a 5-year-old passenger.
Fort Worth Central Division Officers were dispatched to the 5300 Block of Elliot Reeder Road at approximately 3:49 p.m. on November 19, 2025, regarding a major accident. They confirmed a black Dodge Charger had collided with an eastbound Trinity Railway Express (TRE) Commuter Train.
The Dodge Charger was driven by Fabian Riojas, 24, who had the young male passenger with him. While Riojas was transported to a local hospital with injuries, the 5-year-old child tragically died at the scene. No injuries were reported among the 43 passengers aboard the TRE Train.
The preliminary investigation determined that the driver of the Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound but disregarded the activated railroad crossing barricades and warning signals. The vehicle was struck on the passenger side as it attempted to cross the tracks.
Riojas has since been charged with Vehicular Manslaughter and booked into the Fort Worth Jail. Detectives with the Traffic Investigations Unit continue to investigate the fatal crash.
