Six Dead in Florida as Train Strikes Car

Last updated Sep 27, 2023

TL/DR –

Six people have been killed in Florida after their car was hit by a freight train at an unguarded crossing while they were en route to a birthday party. The Cadillac Escalade, driven by 52-year old Jose Hernandez, moved into the path of the train which was traveling at 55mph. The crossing lacked gates or warning lights, and although the train’s engineer attempted to stop, it was too late to prevent the crash.

Six Dead in Florida Train Crash En Route to Birthday Party

A freight train collision at an unguarded crossing in central Florida led to the tragic death of six individuals over the weekend, say authorities.

The fatal accident in Florida happened around 7pm on Saturday, killing five family members and a friend, while severely injuring another.

The 52-year-old driver, Jose Hernandez, directed his Cadillac Escalade onto the path of the oncoming train traveling at 55mph (88 km/h). The crossing, lacking gates or a bell, only had a stop sign and railroad crossing sign per the Hillsborough county sheriff’s office.

Despite the train’s engineer and a nearby vehicle sounding their horns, and the engineer’s attempt to stop, it was too late. The collision flipped the SUV multiple times.

The victims tragically ejected from the Escalade at the scene were identified as Enedelia Hernandez, 50; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; Jakub A Lopez and Alyssa Hernandez, both 17; and Julian Hernandez, nine. Jose Hernandez later succumbed to his injuries. The sole survivor, identified as Guillermo E Gama III, 23, is currently hospitalized.

Sheriff Chad Chronister likened the wrecked Escalade to “a crushed soft-drink can”. He couldn’t ascertain why the SUV drove into the train’s path in Plant City, situated 25 miles (40km) east of Tampa.

The family was attending a traditional 15th birthday party, known as a quinceañera, on the other side of the tracks when the tragic event transpired.

Florida Train Crash Site Lacked Safety Measures

Chronister highlighted the lack of gates or warning lights at the crossing due to low traffic. Train-car collisions often occur at crossings without these safety features.