A vehicle became ensnared by Tri-Rail crossing arms and was subsequently struck by a train in West Palm Beach this morning, as confirmed by local authorities. The incident, which unfolded at the intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Parker Avenue around 7:34 a.m., led to the transportation of the driver to a nearby hospital, CBS12 News reported.
Following the accident, the Tri-Rail train remained at the scene with 65 passengers on board, the vehicle wedged between the crossing arms, described Lt. Lori Colombino of the West Palm Beach police. The train was eventually cleared to continue its journey, and, Tri-Rail service experienced delays of up to 25 minutes, as stated by the Tri-Rail Director of Public Affairs. The individual's condition in the hospital has not been disclosed, and Traffic Homicide Investigators are currently piecing together the details of the crash, according to The Palm Beach Post.
This incident marks the third Tri-Rail crash in Palm Beach County this year, with two previous crashes in Delray Beach last August and November resulting in fatalities. The Tri-Rail, a commuter line serving Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties, utilizes tracks that run parallel to Interstate 95. There have been ongoing safety campaigns by rail authorities aiming to raise public awareness and prevent such accidents.
The train involved was a southbound Tri-Rail, Victor Garcia, a spokesperson for the service clarified. Traffic was managed around the crash site by police, who worked swiftly to clear the debris and resume normal train service. Despite the history of incidents, the specific circumstances leading to this latest encounter between vehicle and train remain under investigation, Lt. Colombino told The Palm Beach Post.
