Brightline Train Crashes into Fire Truck in Delray Beach
A train passenger described the scary moments the Brightline train he was on crashed into a fire truck crossing the tracks while the gates were down in Delray Beach.
Details of the Crash
The crash happened at 10:45 a.m. Saturday in crowded downtown Delray Beach. Three firefighters and a dozen passengers were injured when a fire truck with its lights flashing drove around rail crossing arms and into the path of the high-speed passenger train after waiting for another train to pass.
Video of the Collision
Video of the collision shows the fire truck driving around cars stopped at the crossing with its lights flashing to cross the double tracks.
Safety Reminders
From the Brightline Safety and Security Team: Railroad safety is a community-wide effort. For everyone’s safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down.
— Brightline (@GoBrightline) December 29, 2024
Passenger Accounts
Zach Thrasher, who was on the train from Miami to Orlando, described the experience:
“We felt a slight break for a split second and then the violent crash after that,” said Thrasher. “It was very, it was very rough for everybody.”
“It actually threw me into the table, a couple of us were banged up, but it was not gentle by any means,” Thrasher said. “Just a little bruised up but we’ll be alright.”
Crew Response
Thrasher and his family were able to get on another train and make it home to Orlando.
“They actually handled it very well,” Thrasher said.
“We’re OK, we’re OK, we felt like the crew handled it well and we’re all doing great,” he said.
Community Response
Alek Dunn, who lives across the street, heard the loud crash and ran over to see what happened:
“I was shaken, definitely,” Dunn said. “Absolutely something I have never seen in my life.”
Investigation
A Brightline safety officer said the entire community is involved in ensuring railroad safety and drivers should never go around closed gates.
The Federal Railroad Administration will investigate. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said in the afternoon that it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether to investigate.
Conclusion
The Brightline train crash in Delray Beach serves as a reminder of the importance of railroad safety. The incident highlights the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect crossing gates and signs. We hope that this incident will lead to a safer and more vigilant community.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the Brightline train crash in Delray Beach?
A: The Brightline train crashed into a fire truck that drove around rail crossing arms and into the path of the high-speed passenger train.
Q: How many people were injured in the crash?
A: Three firefighters and a dozen passengers were injured.
Q: Who will investigate the crash?
A: The Federal Railroad Administration will investigate the crash.
Q: What is the message from the Brightline Safety and Security Team?
A: Railroad safety is a community-wide effort. For everyone’s safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down.
