Amtrak train collides with car transporter in Lakeland, leaving 7 injured
Seven individuals sustained injuries on Friday night when an Amtrak train, originating from South Florida, experienced a partial derailment in Lakeland after colliding with a car transporter. Occurring around 7 p.m. near the intersection of Lake Parker Drive and Memorial Boulevard, this incident prompted a late evening news conference where Assistant Police Chief Steven Pacheco of Lakeland provided details and updates.
According to information shared during the news conference, a truck transporting eight cars had come to a halt on the tracks when the collision transpired. Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods corroborated this account, stating in an email, “Amtrak Train 92 encountered damage after making contact with a truck-trailer combination, which obstructed the track at a grade crossing. The leading locomotive lost adherence to the track.”
With 163 passengers and 10 crew members on board at the time of the accident, the train had just made a stop in Tampa and was en route to New York on the CSX-owned tracks. Although seven individuals required transportation to a nearby hospital, their injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, as conveyed by Lakeland Fire Department Battalion Chief Jason Busby. Assistant Police Chief Pacheco emphasized the potential severity of the situation, remarking, “This incident had the potential to yield far more catastrophic consequences.”
Regarding the aftermath, Pacheco anticipated a “protracted” duration for debris removal due to the presence of multiple cars wedged beneath the train. He further noted the complete demolition of the semi-truck involved. To provide immediate support, affected passengers were transferred to Polk County school buses and brought to a designated shelter area, where they received refreshments. Subsequently, they were later transported back to Tampa to make alternative travel arrangements.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to grade crossing regulations and vigilance when navigating railway tracks. Authorities will likely continue investigating the crash to ascertain the full circumstances of the incident and any factors contributing to it.
