Delray Beach Fire Truck and Train Collision Injures Passengers and Firefighters
In Delray Beach, Florida, a serious incident occurred on Saturday morning, around 10:45 a.m., when a fire truck collided with a train while responding to an emergency call. This collision left three firefighters and twelve passengers injured, according to local authorities.
Investigation Underway
The Delray Beach Police Department is leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with assistance from officials at Brightline, the train operator, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Brightline, known for providing passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami, has been involved in other incidents since expanding its service in September 2023.
Details of the Collision
According to a released video from Brightline, the fire truck was seen crossing the railroad tracks shortly after a freight train had passed in the opposite direction. An unnamed source indicated that the fire truck had stopped at the crossing but then proceeded around the lowered crossing arms, contradicting safety protocols.
Condition of the Injured
The three firefighters from Delray Beach were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, officials have reported that they are in stable condition. Additionally, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue assisted at the scene, taking the injured train passengers to the hospital for further evaluation. All passengers reportedly sustained only minor injuries.
Emergency Response and Roadway Shut Down
Following the collision, there was a temporary shutdown of the nearby roadway. Authorities have stated that the road will remain closed until the investigation and any necessary cleanup are completed. Chief Ronald Martin of Delray Beach Fire Rescue confirmed that the fire truck was responding to another emergency call just prior to the incident, though he did not specify if it was related to this crash.
Brightline’s Safety Record
This incident adds to the concerns surrounding Brightline’s safety, as federal data found 34 fatalities in incidents involving Brightline trains from September 2022 to June 2024. However, none of these cases had previously been attributed to Brightline’s operations, highlighting that the incidents often involve pedestrians or vehicles at crossings.
Safety Campaign
In light of ongoing safety concerns, Brightline has launched a public safety campaign encouraging individuals to sign a safety pledge online, which has amassed over 45,000 pledges. The goal of this initiative is to increase awareness about railroad crossing safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause and prevent future accidents. Fortunately, following this serious collision, there were no fatalities reported. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety near railway crossings.
