Harrowing Moment: Brightline Train Slams into Fire Truck in Delray Beach
Investigations Underway
A Brightline passenger shared his account of the harrowing moment when the train slammed into a fire truck in Delray Beach, sending more than a dozen people to the hospital. The crash has prompted multiple investigations into the weekend crash.
Passenger’s Account
Zach Thrasher, a Brightline passenger, spoke with 7News on Sunday about the incident. He described the moment when the train hit the fire truck as a "hard brake" followed by a "violent impact." Thrasher said he was thrown into the table and felt a lot of momentum. "We knew we hit something, we knew we hit something significant. We thought initially it was a car. We had no idea," he said.
The Crash
The fire truck appeared to drive across the tracks at Southeast First Street while the crossing gates were down and the high-speed train was fast approaching. The impact was so strong that it split the fire truck in two and threw its ladder several yards away. Police said 15 people were hospitalized, including 12 passengers.
Investigations
The crash has prompted more than one investigation as to who is at fault. Brightline, the train operator, has responded to criticism that the train should have stopped earlier, stating that it takes nearly a mile for a train to stop from the time it begins to brake, especially with consideration for the safety of the passengers on board.
Conclusion
The crash remains under investigation by Delray Beach Police, Brightline, and the National Transportation Safety Board. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures at railroad crossings and the need for vigilance on the part of both train operators and motorists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the crash?
A: The Brightline train slammed into a fire truck that was driving across the tracks at Southeast First Street in Delray Beach.
Q: How many people were hospitalized?
A: 15 people were hospitalized, including 12 passengers.
Q: Who is investigating the crash?
A: The crash is being investigated by Delray Beach Police, Brightline, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Q: Why did the fire truck drive across the tracks?
A: The investigation is ongoing, but it appears that the fire truck believed the cargo train was the only train and did not see the Brightline train approaching.
