Semi Driver Killed in Seminole County SunRail Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 3, 2017

Just before noon on Thursday, November 30th, an out-of-town semi-truck driver was involved in a fatal big-rig collision with a SunRail passenger train in Seminole County, Florida.

The truck driver, 40-year-old Chambers of Hazlehurst, Georgia, was backing his semi into a nearby loading area at ACF Environmental, a local business in Altamonte Springs near Plumosa Avenue and Ronald Reagan Blvd., and in doing so, his truck was left partially blocking the nearby SunRail tracks. During the process of his delivery, the train track’s safety crossing arms began to descend onto his truck and the flashing safety lights began to blink, signaling the upcoming approach of a train. In order to avoid a collision with the oncoming SunRail, Chambers hopped back into the cab of his big rig and made an ill-fated attempt to remove his semi from the train tracks. The train crashed into the driver’s side of the semi-truck, fatally injuring Chambers.

There were 38 passengers aboard the SunRail at the time of the accident, with no reported injuries.

According to witnesses, Chambers did make an attempt to escape his semi before the collision. Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes said “He did try and exit the vehicle as people were yelling for him to get out of the vehicle.”

This isn’t the first time that this particular section of tracks has been problematic for truck drivers. In June of this year, local driver Brian Murphy almost suffered the same exact fate as Chambers when making a delivery to that same area. “Worst nightmare. No more than 10 minutes before then I told them, ‘I am afraid to do it because I don’t want to get hit.’ No more than two seconds after I got out of there and ripped the guards off, the train went flying by. I feel really bad for everyone involved, especially for his family,” he said.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family & friends of the victim involved in this tragic semi-truck collision. At the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A., we have been representing the victims of Orlando accidents for over thirty-five years. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

Read More:
1 dead in SunRail train-semitruck crash in Seminole County, FHP says
1 dead after SunRail train hits semitruck, fire rescue says
Truck driver says he had ‘close call’ where train hit semi

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.