Two people were killed Sunday afternoon when a car collided with a Brightline passenger train in West Palm Beach, according to police. The crash occurred around 3:15 p.m. in the 600 block of Roseland Drive, and both people inside the vehicle were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
West Palm Beach Police told investigators the vehicle drove into the side of a passing Brightline train while the crossing gate arms were down. Investigators said alcohol may have been a factor, and the crash remains under investigation. No identities have been released, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police, as reported by WPBF 25 News.
Safety Record and Context
This collision is the latest in a string of deadly incidents along Brightline’s South Florida corridor, a stretch that has drawn scrutiny for its number of grade-crossing deaths. A Miami Herald analysis found Brightline’s fatality rate per mile among the highest in the country and reported that many crashes involve motorists or pedestrians trying to beat the crossings or otherwise entering the rail right-of-way, prompting calls for more fencing and crossing upgrades, as reported by the Miami Herald.
Investigation and Next Steps
Police say detectives are now assembling witness statements and plan to review any available video as they work to understand what led up to the crash. Aside from indicating that alcohol may have been a factor, officials have released few other details. The West Palm Beach Police Department says the case remains open and no additional information has been made public, per WPBF 25 News.
