Emergency Services

TWO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER A BRIGHTLINE TRAIN COLLIDED WITH AN SUV IN MIAMI, reports 7News Miami.

According to a witness, the vehicle had been caught between the lowered guard rails before being struck by the train. Two of the three victims inside the vehicle were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. All three will be OK.

Another witness, Preston Pugh, said the accident reminded him of a close call of his own at that very same crossing.

A MAN WAS FOUND DEAD WEDNESDAY MORNING ALONG THE TRACKS NEAR KISSIMMEE, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Investigators have yet to identify the man, or when he was killed.

Read more here.

The original article was written the WKMG ClickOrlando.

THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINSTRATION RELEASED A FOURTH-QUARTER 2019 REPORT FEB 27, highlighting the status on railroads' progress in implementing positive train control (PTC) systems as required by Congress.

According to the report, eight host railroads, including Florida East Coast Railway—and their tenant railroad, Brightline/Virgin Trains USA— are at risk of not fully implementing a PTC systems by the Dec 31, 2020 deadline.

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A WOMAN WAS TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL TUESDAY AFTER HER PICKUP WAS STRUCK BY A BRIGHTLINE TRAIN. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael B. Kane reported that the woman sustained back injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

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FLORIDA OFFICIALS ARE CONSIDERING LEGISLATION TO CURB HIGH NUMBER OF DEATHS ON THE TRACKS OF THE BRIGHTLINE/VIRGIN TRAINS USA PASSENGER RAIL. Since Brightline's launch, an average of more than one person a month has been killed, designating it as the "nation's deadliest railroad."

During a news conference, Brightline stated that 75% of the incidents were results of suicide or drugs, but a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) study reveals that suicides only account for 30% of all rail fatalities.

IN APRIL 2014, FLORIDA BULLDOG REPORTED THAT BRIGHTLINE (NOW VIRGIN TRAINS, USA) REJECTED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MORE SUFFICIENT SAFETY FEATURES AT PLANNED RAIL CROSSINGS, where their train would be running up to speeds of 79 mph. These safety measures were recommended by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which included sealed corridors at 31 crossings as well as fenced bridges and underpasses.

A WOMAN WAS STRUCK AND KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A BRIGHTLINE/VIRGIN TRAINS USA HIGH-SPEED PASSENGER RAIL TRAIN SATURDAY NIGHT. Investigators said the victim was a trespasser and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more here.

The original article was written by the Miami 7 News.

CONGRESS MEMBER BRIAN HIGGINS SENDS LETTER TO HOWARD ELLIOT OF THE U.S. DOT PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, requesting a 30-day extension of the comment period to the DOT's Draft Final Permit DOT-SP 20534. This special permit proposes to authorize the transportation of liquified natural gas (LNG) by rail tank car.

Dear Mr. O’Rourke,

Per your letter below sent to a number of people on the Treasure and Space Coasts of Florida, I would like to take the opportunity to point out a number of issues.

A WOMAN DIED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VIRGIN TRAINS USA TRAIN, FORMERLY BRIGHTLINE, SUNDAY MORNING, the Boynton Beach police said.

Read more here.

Original article was written by Sabrina Lolo of the CBS 12 News. Photo credits: WPEC