NTSB investigating fatal Brightline accident at Florida grade crossing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report into its investigation of a fatal train accident that occurred Feb. 8 between a Brightline train and an SUV at a grade crossing in Delray Beach, Florida.

According to NTSB investigators, the SUV turned right onto Lindell Boulevard just west of the intersection of Old Dixie Highway. The SUV drove past the crossing's white stop line and stopped with its front tires on the near-side rail of the east main track.

A northbound Florida East Coast Railway freight train approached the Lindell Boulevard crossing, which activated the flashing lights and gates. As the northbound freight train cleared the crossing, a Brightline passenger train approached the crossing, traveling south. When the train crew realized the SUV was on the tracks, they blew the horn and put the train into emergency braking before it entered the crossing and struck the stopped vehicle.

The SUV driver and passenger died from their injuries, the NTSB's report states. At the crossing location, Lindell Boulevard is a divided roadway with three lanes and a posted limit of 25 mph for highway vehicles. The grade crossing is signalized with lights, crossbucks and gates.

The crash remains under investigation. Future investigative activity will focus on factors that influenced the SUV driver’s performance, the timing and manner in which the crossing signal preempts highway signaling in the vicinity of the crash, grade crossing design and train operations at grade crossings.