SUV Struck by SunRail Train After Attempting to Speed Across Tracks

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 15, 2019

A video recently released by the Orlando Police Department shows the dramatic moment when a SunRail train t-boned an SUV that someone was attempting to drive across the tracks on Wednesday, April 10th. The OPD stated that the incident happened close to 4:30 in the afternoon, during the beginning of rush hour traffic in the area. The exact location of the incident was believed to have been at the intersection of Interstate 4 and Colonial Drive.

In the video, we see that a black SUV approaching the SunRail tracks as the warning guards are being lowered. The warning guards exist for the purpose of ensuring that no vehicles approach the tracks while a train is passing. In this instance, the driver of the SUV skirted under the guard as it lowered, positing the car on the other side of the red and white barrier, directly in front of the SunRail tracks.

Around 10 seconds go by while the driver of the SUV simply sits in their car facing the tracks. Then the car suddenly accelerates forward. At this time, the SunRail, traveling at an advanced rate of speed, enters the frame. The SunRail train hits the passenger side of the SUV full on, causing the car to spin off to the side.

The report from the OPD indicated that immediately after the crash numerous people, including a nurse, rushed to the car in order to assist the injured driver. It is not clear how badly this person was injured or if they required hospitalization. It is not believed that any of the passengers or SunRail employees aboard the train were injured in the incident. While the initial investigation was underway the train was halted, causing severe delays along the SunRail system. It took about 90 minutes after the crash before the trains were moving once again.

This collision between a SunRail train and a vehicle at this particular intersection is the third that has taken place between last December and now. It is believed that city officials are now looking into whether or not there is some way to improve the safety of this intersection.

Sources:

• Video shows dramatic crash involving SunRail train, SUV in downtown Orlando

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.