Lakeland, Florida – In a dramatic collision that could have had far more devastating consequences, eight individuals were treated for minor injuries following an accident involving an Amtrak train and a semi-tractor pulling a car-hauler. The incident occurred on the evening of July 15, in Lakeland, prompting a response from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Lakeland Fire Department.
At approximately 7:04 pm, emergency services were dispatched to the scene to assist the victims and ensure their safety. Seven of the injured parties were transported to a local hospital by ambulance, while one person opted for private transportation. Fortunately, all injuries sustained were deemed minor, offering a sense of relief to those involved.
The Amtrak train, carrying 163 passengers and ten crew members, had departed from the Lakeland Amtrak station en route to New York from Miami. Meanwhile, the semi-truck, driven by Walberto Carrazana Bermudez of Homestead, was traveling north on Canal Avenue North, just south of US 92 (Memorial Boulevard), hauling a trailer loaded with seven vehicles.
According to preliminary investigations conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office crash detectives, the trailer became lodged on the tracks as the truck attempted to cross over. At the same time, the Amtrak train, traveling east on the tracks parallel to US 92, was nearing the Canal Avenue North intersection at a speed of approximately 78 mph. Engineer Ronald Webb, hailing from Jacksonville, promptly sounded the train’s horn upon spotting the truck.
In response to the approaching train and the activated crossing arms and lights, both Bermudez and his passenger, Jose Luis Lahera Vidal of Hialeah, quickly exited the truck. Nevertheless, the collision proved inevitable, resulting in the train continuing to travel eastward for an additional 200 yards before coming to a halt. The lead engine suffered a derailment, causing a minor diesel fuel leak.
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed gratitude for the relatively minor injuries sustained in the accident, emphasizing that the outcome could have been far worse given the nature of the collision. He lauded the exceptional response and collaborative efforts of all the agencies involved, highlighting their dedication to ensuring public safety.
Following the incident, Amtrak arranged for the transportation of passengers and crew members via bus to Tampa. Meanwhile, Mr. Bermudez was issued a citation for insufficient clearance at a railroad crossing, placing responsibility on the driver for the unfortunate incident.
Preliminary estimates provided by officials indicate that damages to the train, tracks, CSX property, cleanup costs, and losses due to track downtime may range between 6 and 10 million dollars. As the investigation continues, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to uncovering all pertinent details surrounding the crash.