Pedestrian dies in Hollywood after Brightline train accident
Another pedestrian died in South Florida after crossing the railroad tracks and being hit by a moving train.
An unnamed pedestrian died by suicide in Hollywood, according to sources close to the investigation. The accident occurred early Saturday evening and an investigation is ongoing, according to a City of Hollywood public information officer.
A Brightline spokesperson said, “We encourage people to help us if they ever see someone or something obstructing the tracks.” Witnesses can call Florida’s railroad emergency line at 904-538-6100 to flag a car or person obstructing the railroad tracks, which may help stop any oncoming train.
Other accidents have occurred since Brightline resumed service in November after a 19-month hiatus during the pandemic, leading to rising safety concerns. A train struck a car in Pompano Beach and another killed a pedestrian in North Miami Beach. The accident on Saturday marks at least the 50th death Brightline has had since launching rides between Miami and West Palm Beach in mid-2017.
Brightline leads the nation in railroad deaths, according to a 2019 Associated Press analysis. Of the nation’s 821 railroads, Brightline has the highest death rate per mile, with one death for every 29,000 miles that the trains have traveled.
The train company launched several safety-related initiatives, including plans to expand a safety infrastructure at 48 crossings between Miami and West Palm Beach.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
