Three individuals were transported to the hospital following a collision between an Amtrak train and an SUV in Lakeland yesterday. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is currently spearheading the investigation into the circumstances leading up to the crash. Polk County Fire Rescue units responded to the scene at the crossing of Canal Avenue North and U.S. Highway 92, as confirmed in a report by FOX 13 News. The incident, which took place around 5:15 p.m., did not result in any injuries among those aboard the Amtrak train.
It has been relayed by WFLA that the collision involved a total of four people in the Cadillac Escalade. The right turn lane near the site was reportedly blocked for about an hour, though traffic was noted to have resumed its regular flow shortly thereafter. The SUV was said to have been stopped on the tracks as the train neared, which was mentioned in a WTSP report. Following the collision, Polk County Fire Rescue quickly arrived on the scene and provided assistance.
The exact state of the three injured occupants remains undisclosed as of the latest updates. The Polk County Sheriff's Office has yet to determine what specifically caused the SUV to become stationary on the train tracks, resulting in the collision. With the investigation underway, further details concerning the crash are expected to emerge pending an official release from local authorities.
Community concern has predictably been sparked over the safety measures in place at railway crossings. "No one on the train was hurt," noted the first responders, offering a sliver of solace amidst the disruption caused by the collision. The Polk County Sheriff's Office assured the public that a comprehensive review of the crash is to thoroughly be conducted, as stated in a release obtained by WFLA, with the intent to ultimately enhance future preventative strategies and ensure the well-being of Lakeland's citizens.
