15 people injured after fire truck collided with Brightline train in Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — 15 people were injured after an incident involving a Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck and a Brightline train Saturday morning.

WPTV

According to Delray Beach Fire Rescue, around 10:45 a.m., an aerial apparatus ladder fire truck was crossing the FEC tracks near the intersection of SE 1st Street when it was struck by the Brightline train.

In the video published by Brightline on the train, the moment is seen just before the train collided with the fire truck.

Three firefighters were taken to the hospital with injuries, according to Delray Beach Police Traffic Homicide Unit Sergeant Matt Saraceni. Two of the firefighters were transported to Delray Beach Medical Center as a trauma alert and all are in stable condition.

12 Brightline passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

WPTV

“At this point, all of this information is being investigated through a multi-agency, multi-partner investigation process,” Delray Beach Fire Chief Ronald Martin said.

Alek Dunn lives across the street from where the crash occurred.

“I was on the phone with a friend and next thing you know I heard about the crash,” Dunn said. “I saw the train apply the emergency brakes and slow down.”

While the investigation into the accident continues, citizens are wondering what caused the accident.

“I don’t know how a vehicle, especially a fire truck, ends up on the train tracks,” Delray Beach resident Kevin Keller said.

Martin added that a call for service was placed in the area shortly before this incident, but he could not confirm whether the truck was assigned at the time of the accident or whether that call was cancelled.

“Scary. I mean, it almost feels like you’re in a war zone with all this piles of debris on the ground and a lot of first responders here,” said Lyn Spaeth, who visited Delray Beach on Saturday.

Crews spent the afternoon clearing large pieces of debris from the fire truck while Brightline worked to remove the train from the tracks.

“My heart dropped when I saw this,” said Delray Beach resident Margo Siciliano.

The Brightline train has since been removed from the tracks and E. Atlantic Avenue is now open, while SE 1st Avenue remains closed. The investigation is currently ongoing by the Delray Beach Police Department, Brightline officials and the National Transportation Safety Board.

“This is incredible,” Keller said. “I mean, this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen here.”

This is a developing story, stay tuned to WPTV for updates.