Brightline train crashes into Delray Beach fire engine, injuring 15 people
- On December 29, a passenger train in Florida collided with a Delray Beach fire rescue truck, injuring at least 15 people.
- The video released shows the truck was on the tracks while the crossing gates were down, raising safety concerns.
- This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety measures at railroad crossings.
On Sunday, December 29, in Florida, a significant incident occurred when a Brightline passenger train collided with a Delray Beach fire rescue truck. This collision took place shortly after the train had passed a supply train, and it resulted in the hospitalization of at least 15 individuals, including three firefighters from Delray Beach. Footage released by Brightline revealed that the fire truck was positioned halfway over the crossing with the gates down just before the collision occurred, emphasizing the importance of adhering to railroad safety measures. Zach Thrasher, a passenger on the Brightline train, described the suddenness of the incident, noting that the collision transpired almost instantaneously after he felt the train brake. Thrasher mentioned that he was located in the fifth train car, and a table above his seat helped prevent more serious injuries, as he only experienced a few minor bruises. Witnesses at the scene reported that the sound of the collision was akin to a building collapsing, highlighting the impact's severity. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue Chief Ronald Martin indicated that the truck was responding to a concurrent emergency call at the time of the accident. This tragic event raises awareness about the significance of driver adherence to safety protocols, as Brightline released a statement urging drivers never to bypass crossing gates when they are lowered. Currently, three firefighters are reported to be in stable condition, while the majority of the injured train passengers sustained minor injuries, as indicated by local emergency services. Investigations into the crash's circumstances are ongoing as officials aim to ascertain the precise reasons behind this unfortunate incident. Witness accounts further noted that there was no widespread panic on the train, thanks in part to the staff’s quick response in managing the passengers following the impact. The incident, while unfortunate, illustrates the potentially severe consequences of neglecting railroad safety and the community's role in maintaining such vigilance to prevent future occurrences.