Liberty High School student killed, another man injured in train accident

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A 16-year-old Liberty High School student, William Hotaling, was killed in an accident with a train around 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the railroad crossing on FM 1909 in Raywood in west Liberty County.

The vehicle in which Hotaling was a passenger was driven by 20-year-old John K. Allison, the son of a prominent Liberty family. Allison suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. His condition is unknown.

According to law enforcement sources who were on the scene, the two young men may have been attempting to outrun the train. They were unsuccessful as they tried to go around the crossing arms and the train collided with their vehicle, a 2004 Ford Sport Trac pickup.

At the time of impact, the train was said to be traveling around 40 miles per hour. The impact was catastrophic.

The train traveled a quarter-mile before coming to a stop.

The accident is being investigated by DPS Trooper Chris Richmond.

Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Bobby Rader made the pronouncement of death. Hotaling’s body has been taken to Allison Funeral Home in Liberty.