Houston's Rail Safety Fight: A Community's Struggle After Tragedy

Houston Residents Fight for Rail Safety After Student's Death In Houston's East End, the dangers of living near busy train tracks are a constant concern. The recent death of Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez, who was struck by a train in December 2024, brought the issue to the forefront. The tragedy highlighted the need for improved rail safety measures in the area. For years, Paulette Kukuk, a retired schoolteacher, has been documenting near-misses and dangerous situations near the tracks. "This is when it's very dangerous for kids wanting to get across when the train is going this slow," she says, pointing to video footage of children darting in front of slow-moving trains. Her efforts, begun in 2017, have recently garnered national attention. The state legislature's recent allocation of $250 million in grants for statewide rail safety improvements offers a glimmer of hope. The funding includes money for a pedestrian bridge at the site where Rodriguez was killed. However, as Lindsay Williams, President of the Eastwood Civic Association, notes, "It's not enough. We need somebody who's willing to just lead this charge on this fight." While the funding is a step in the right direction, the community's fight for comprehensive rail safety improvements continues. The legacy of Sergio Rodriguez serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change.