Pedestrian chases dog onto tracks before fatal strike on Fratt Road
November 13, 2025 | San Antonio, TX
A tragic train-pedestrian collision near Interchange Parkway and Fratt Road claimed the life of Howard Lyons, a 59-year-old Bexar County resident, on Nov. 13.
Howard Lyons, 59, of Bexar County, died from blunt force injuries after a train struck him as he chased his dog on the tracks near Interchange Parkway and Fratt Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
At approximately 5:20 p.m., Lyons was pursuing his dog along active train tracks in the 8200 block of Interchange Parkway when both were struck by an oncoming train. The train conductor promptly alerted authorities and stayed on site.
- Victim: Howard Lyons, 59, pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force injuries.
- Location: Near Interchange Parkway and Fratt Road, Northeast Side of San Antonio.
- Time and Date: Around 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 13, 2025.
- Injuries: Lyons' death ruled accidental by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office. The dog sustained injuries and was taken into custody by Animal Care Services.
- Response: The San Antonio Police Department is leading the investigation.
Why Do Train Accidents Like This Occur?
Train incidents often stem from various factors, including unauthorized access to tracks, animal distractions, or environmental conditions. Authorities are examining all possibilities to determine the exact cause.
Train Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), train-related accidents result in significant casualties annually. Below is a summary of key data:
Category |
Annual Average (U.S.) |
Source |
|---|
Train-Pedestrian Incidents |
Over 1,000 |
FRA |
Injuries from Train Crashes |
Approximately 2,500 |
FRA |
Fatalities from Train Accidents |
Around 600 |
FRA |
Common Causes |
Track Trespassing (40%), Mechanical Issues (20%) |
FRA and CDC |
These figures underscore the dangers of rail corridors and the need for heightened awareness.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on navigating the aftermath of train accidents. In cases such as this, independent investigations play a crucial role.
“Train crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “A skilled attorney can protect the family from rail companies, which often deploy their own investigators and resources to defend against claims of negligence. Your lawyer will advocate by hiring experianced witnesses, securing crash witnesses, reviewing insurance, and guiding through the legal process while protecting your interests.”
- Rail companies may launch immediate defenses, necessitating prompt legal action.
- Families should consider independent probes to ensure fair outcomes.
- Coverage review is essential for potential compensation.
Pending investigation results, Lyons' family may explore a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“Grieving families are sometimes overwhelmed by legal processes designed to protect their rights,” Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal added. “An attorney serves as a compassionate resource, guiding families through challenges and securing entitled restitution.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).