Two Killed After Car Strikes Railcar and Catches Fire

LUBBOCK, TX — Two people were killed Saturday morning in a single-vehicle crash northwest of Lubbock after their car collided with a stationary railcar and caught fire, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:23 a.m. on the US 84 North Frontage Road, about 0.69 miles northwest of Mimosa Avenue. Authorities say a 2025 Mercedes-Benz passenger car was traveling northwest on U.S. 84 before exiting onto the frontage road and approaching a sharp curve.

The vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, continued straight off the roadway and struck a parked railcar. The car then caught fire following the collision.

The driver, 64-year-old Jinmei Gao of Flushing, New York, and the passenger, 18-year-old Jia Jin Wu of Lubbock, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their seatbelt usage was undetermined.

Weather and road conditions at the time were clear and dry. The posted speed limit in the area was 55 mph.

The crash remains under investigation by the Texas DPS.