A truck collided with a train Thursday evening on tracks near Kathleen Road and Spivey Road northwest of Lakeland, killing the driver and shutting down the area for hours, according to Polk County deputies. The crash happened at about 6:30 p.m., and emergency crews stayed on scene into the night as investigators worked. Authorities have not released the victim's name, and deputies said no other injuries were reported. Traffic in the area was disrupted while the wreckage was cleared.
According to WTSP, the Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and confirmed that the driver of the truck died after the collision. WTSP reported that deputies closed the area while the Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit processed the site and that the investigation remains active.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office maintains a newsroom and media contacts for tips and information on ongoing traffic investigations, and residents who may have video or eyewitness information from Thursday night are urged to reach out to deputies or Heartland Crime Stoppers. The Polk County Sheriff's Office listings include contact details for investigators along with the office's non-emergency phone line.
Where the crash occurred
The collision happened on a stretch of tracks that runs parallel to Kathleen Road between Deeson and Spivey Roads, a corridor where trains pass frequently. Previous reporting has noted that this segment has been the scene of similar incidents, underscoring the risks where tracks and nearby roads intersect. KVIA documented a prior crash on that stretch in 2024.
Investigation and what investigators will look for
The Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit from PCSO is expected to examine details such as the position of the truck, whether crossing warnings were active, and any available video or witness accounts in order to determine what led to the crash. Investigators typically also review train movement records and the mechanical condition of the vehicle as they reconstruct the sequence of events. Polk County Sheriff's Office resources describe how the agency responds to fatal traffic collisions and what steps are taken during those investigations.
Authorities have not announced any charges related to the wreck. This story will be updated as deputies release more information or if charge details become available. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office or submit an anonymous tip to Heartland Crime Stoppers.
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