NTSB to investigate 2 fatal train-vehicle crashes at Florida grade crossing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a safety investigation into two fatal crashes that occurred last week involving Brightline trains and motor vehicles at the same grade crossing in Melbourne, Florida.

The first collision occurred Jan. 10, when a Honda Element SUV was traveling west on W.H. Jackson Street and struck a northbound Brightline train operating on the western most railway, according to the Melbourne Police Department. The vehicle involved in the crash had four occupants and the adult male driver died of his injuries.

The second incident occurred at the same crossing on Jan. 12, when a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck was traveling west on W.H. Jackson Street when it was struck by a southbound Brightline train operating on the eastern most railway, the police department posted on its website. The vehicle involved in this crash had two adult occupants, and both the driver and passenger died of injuries sustained by the impact from the train.

 It's unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in either collision, the police reported. In a post on the social media site X, the NTSB stated that it will conduct the safety investigation in coordination with Melbourne police.