A morning of chaos and panic unfolded in the nocturnal heart of Fort Lauderdale, when a train collided with several cars stopped on the railroad tracks, and one of them ended up striking a woman in front of the bar The Den Sports Bar and Lounge, on Southwest 2nd Street.
The accident occurred around 3:30 AM on Saturday, in an area filled with bars and nightclubs. According to the police, three vehicles were caught at the railroad crossing while the barriers were already down and the red lights were blinking.
The train struck the rear of a pickup truck, causing the other two cars to collide with each other in a frantic attempt to exit the tracks. One of the cars was pushed onto the sidewalk and ended up crashing into the main door of the bar, hitting a woman who was outside.
Scene of horror in the middle of the party
The crash turned a night of fun into scenes of terror. Witnesses told WPLG Local 10 that the crowd ran away, some climbing onto the stopped cars, while debris flew through the air.
"I was in shock. I was scared because I thought it could have been me in that corner and the one who ended up hit by the car," said a young man who witnessed the incident.
Another attendee warned: "People need to drive carefully. We all have family to return to."
Videos shared on social media show the moment when the train approaches at high speed and collides with the vehicle trapped on the tracks, violently spinning it as metal fragments are sent flying.
A hospitalized woman and a boarded-up bar
The woman who was hit was urgently transported to Broward Health Medical Center, although authorities have not revealed the severity of her injuries so far. Witnesses told the press that she may have suffered a fracture in one of her legs.
The bar The Den, where one of the cars ended up embedded, woke up with its main entrance boarded up with wood, although its owners assured that they would reopen that same night through a side entrance.
According to a report by the Miami Herald, traffic in the area remained closed for several hours, from West Broward Boulevard to West Davie Boulevard, and was resumed around 6:20 a.m. It has not yet been confirmed whether the train was a freight or passenger train.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Train Accident in Fort Lauderdale
What happened in the train accident in Fort Lauderdale?
A train struck several cars that were stopped on the railway tracks in Fort Lauderdale, causing one of the cars to hit a woman in front of The Den Sports Bar and Lounge. The accident caused panic among patrons of the nearby bars and nightclubs.
What was the condition of the woman injured in the accident?
The woman who was hit was taken to Broward Health Medical Center. Authorities have not officially disclosed the severity of her injuries, but witnesses mentioned that she may have suffered a fracture in her leg.
How did the accident affect traffic in Fort Lauderdale?
The traffic in the area remained closed for several hours from West Broward Boulevard to West Davie Boulevard. Traffic resumed around 6:20 a.m., after the affected vehicles were removed and the roads were secured.
What safety measures should be considered at railway crossings?
It is crucial to respect the barriers and traffic lights at railway crossings. Drivers must come to a complete stop upon detecting train signals and should never attempt to cross the tracks when the barriers are down or the lights are flashing. Caution and adherence to traffic regulations are vital to prevent accidents.
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