An accident that occurred on the morning of this Saturday in Delray Beach, in Palm Beach County, left 15 people injured after a Brightline high-speed train collided with a fire truck from the city's fire department.
Among the injured, three are firefighters who were hospitalized in stable condition, while 12 train passengers sustained minor injuries.
Brightline posted a video of the incident on its official X account, showing how the truck crossed the intersection with the barriers already down.
"Railway safety is a community-wide effort. For everyone's safety, never drive near crossing barriers when they are down," stated the company alongside striking images of the collision.
The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. when the fire truck, with its emergency lights on, tried to maneuver around the barriers at the railroad crossing after waiting for a freight train to pass, according to witnesses and video footage of the event.
The train tried to slow down, but it couldn't avoid violently colliding with the truck, crushing its front and throwing the vehicle's ladder several meters away.
The collision occurred at the railroad crossing near the intersection of East Atlantic Avenue and Southeast 1st Avenue.
After the impact, the train stopped a block ahead with its front completely wrecked, while the fire truck was left severely damaged.
Debris from the vehicle was scattered across the area, creating a chaotic scene.
Local authorities confirmed that three firefighters were taken to the hospital, two of whom were initially in critical condition, although their status was later stabilized.
Additionally, 12 passengers from the Brightline train received medical attention for minor injuries.
The accident was witnessed by several local residents and visitors to the area.
A witness who was having breakfast nearby reported hearing "a loud bang and the screeching of the train's brakes."
After the impact, some firefighters climbed out of the truck's windows and assisted their injured colleagues.
The collision was so severe that parts of the truck became embedded in the train.
Ongoing investigation
The exact causes of the accident have not yet been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, along with the Delray Beach Police and officials from Brightline.
According to preliminary reports, the fire truck was responding to an emergency call in the area shortly before the accident.
However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the maneuver he made to evade the barriers was related to that call.
This accident is the latest in a series of incidents involving Brightline trains at railway crossings in the region.
The Delray Beach community has renewed its demands to improve safety at these intersections, noting that the risks are becoming increasingly frequent.
Numerous citizens are calling for the implementation of stricter safety measures, such as improved signage and the installation of more advanced automatic systems to prevent vehicles from crossing when trains are approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Train and Fire Truck Accident in Florida
What caused the accident between the high-speed train and the fire truck in Delray Beach?
The accident was caused because the fire truck attempted to cross the railway crossing with the barriers already down, leading to a collision with the Brightline high-speed train. Such maneuvers are extremely dangerous and are being investigated by the authorities.
How many people were injured in the Brightline train accident in Florida?
A total of 15 people were injured in the accident, including three firefighters who were hospitalized in stable condition, and 12 train passengers who sustained minor injuries.
What safety measures are being requested following the accidents involving Brightline trains?
The community is demanding stricter safety measures at railway crossings, such as improving signage and installing more advanced automatic systems to prevent vehicles from crossing when trains are approaching, due to the increase in incidents in the region.
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