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After a Brightline train ended up hitting a fire engine on December 28, Delray Beach officials were called in to rescue people. Three firefighters, two of whom were critically injured, and 12 other passengers traveling on the train were injured.
Brightline, the high-speed rail service connecting South Florida to Orlando, has offered Floridians a faster way to travel between cities since it launched its Orlando route in September 2023. While many have celebrated the convenience, the rail line has also been plagued by a troubling statistic: a significant number of fatalities.
According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration, from September 2023 to June 2024, 34 people were killed in incidents involving Brightline trains along the route from Orlando to Miami. Shockingly, this accounts for nearly 44% of all train-related fatalities in Florida during that time. Of those deaths, 12 occurred in Brevard County alone.
As reported by Spectrum News 13, since July, at least five more fatalities have been reported statewide, including an apparent suicide in Cocoa where a man intentionally walked onto the tracks.
Despite these grim numbers, Brightline highlights the positive impact of its services. Since opening its Orlando station, the company reports over 2.6 million rides have been taken, covering 5.4 million miles—equivalent to removing an estimated 1.9 million cars from Florida’s roads.
Updates on the Delray Beach accident
The Delray Beach Police Department posted an update about the incident on their Facebook account. It said:
"Three Delray Beach firefighters were transported to a local hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue provided assistance, transporting 12 individuals from the train to the hospital with minor injuries."
The officials mentioned that they are also investigating the cause of the collision along with Brightline and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Delray Beach Police Department has also informed the people that as a result of the crash:
"As a result of the crash, E Atlantic Avenue at SE 1st Avenue is temporarily shut down. Authorities anticipate that the roadway will reopen once the investigation and any necessary cleanup are complete."
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As reported by CNN, the three Delray Beach firefighters involved in the incident were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently listed in stable condition. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue stepped in to assist, ensuring that passengers from the train received medical attention. Most passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital as a precaution.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the accident.
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