A Delray Beach firefighter involved in a harrowing collision with a Brightline train that left 15 people injured has been handed a traffic citation, stemming from the December incident. David Michael Wyatt, the firefighter driving the fire truck, was cited after a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office investigation found that despite responding to an emergency, he failed to exercise "due care" when he drove around lowered crossing arms and into the path of the oncoming train. WSVN reported that the impact of the crash was so intense that it divided the vehicle into three separate pieces.
The crash occurred on December 28, 2024, and Wyatt's actions have raised questions about the operation of emergency vehicles at rail crossings. According to CBS12, the collision took place at an intersection where a train was traveling at around 79 miles per hour. It was noted in the PBSO's report that the crossing gates were down and that despite the presence of the train, the siren of the fire engine was turned off, although the emergency lights remained on. Wyatt is scheduled for a court appearance on March 12 in relation to the citation.
Further complicating matters, the Delray Beach Police Department is conducting a separate review of a prior incident involving Wyatt. This look-back delves into a 2023 event where Wyatt, then off-duty, smashed into several street signs and a tree, earning him a citation for careless driving. This earlier troubling incident adds more scrutiny to Wyatt's driving record, as he still hasn't addressed it in the ongoing inquiry.
With regards to the wreck with the Brightline train, the crash not only resulted in multiple injuries but also incurred significant damages, estimated at half a million dollars. The collision led to a broader examination of safety protocols and responsibilities when emergency services intersect with railway operations. In the aftermath of the crash, the fire department placed Wyatt and three other fire employees on paid administrative leave, as highlighted by CBS12. The city of Delray Beach has yet to respond to inquiries regarding any further disciplinary actions that may be considered for those involved.
