Patrick Metz Killed in Crash with Amtrak Train on Hereford Rd in Cass County, MO
Pleasant Hill, MO — February 7, 2023, 34-year-old FedEx driver Patrick Metz died in a collision with a train on Hereford Road in Cass County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 9:30 a.m. on Hereford near Smart Road, northwest of Pleasant Hill. Preliminary investigation suggests Metz was driving a FedEx delivery truck south on the roadway when he allegedly disregarded a stop sign and entered the path of an eastbound Amtrak train, which hit the truck.
Metz was ejected in the collision and suffered fatal injuries. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
In my experience people tend to write crashes like this off much too quickly after seeing reports say a truck driver made a mistake. Is that possible? Maybe, and I'd imagine investigators will look into operator errors as a potential explanation for what happened. However, they can't be taken for granted while other possibilities are still unexamined. What about poor crossing maintenance? Missing signage or warning devices at the crossing? Lack of visibility or blocked sightlines? Did the truck have a mechanical issue that took the driver's control away? Was the victim experienced and well-trained in driving it?
It's not always obvious from a few sentences in the news, but many accidents are far more complex than they may appear at first. Unfortunately, both the public and law enforcement tend to miss things below the surface of a crash like this one and assume it's easily explained. When that happens important evidence may slip through the cracks, but considering a man lost his life here it's important to ensure that doesn't happen. I just hope authorities agree and they'll diligently pursue the whole story here for the people that need and deserve it.
