Man Arrested After Train Collision Kills Child in Fort Worth

Fort Worth police arrested 24-year-old Fabian Riojas on Wednesday after a train collision killed his 5-year-old nephew. The crash occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Elliot Reeder Road near the line between Haltom City and Fort Worth.

Police said Riojas drove a Dodge Charger eastbound and ignored activated railroad barricades and warning signals. As he attempted to cross the tracks, an approaching Trinity Railway Express commuter train struck the vehicle on the passenger side.

Child Identified as Passenger Killed in Crash

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the 5-year-old passenger as Emilio Jacobi Martinez. Police said the child died at the scene of the collision.

Riojas, who is the boy’s uncle, sustained minor injuries in the crash. He received hospital treatment before being taken into custody.

Manslaughter Charge Filed Following Fatal Collision

Online jail records show Riojas faces a manslaughter charge related to the traffic accident. Authorities confirmed he was being held in the Tarrant County Jail on Friday with bond set at $50,000.

Police reported that no injuries occurred among the 43 passengers aboard the Trinity Railway Express train. The train was traveling toward Dallas at the time of the crash.

Family Comments and Police Safety Reminder

The boy’s father told reporters on Thursday night that he does not believe Riojas should face criminal charges. He spoke publicly about the incident and the relationship between his son and Riojas.

Police urged drivers to always stop when railroad barricades are down or warning lights are active, regardless of whether an approaching train is visible.