Deadly train crash claims 6 lives, leaves 1 critical condition in Florida collision
Tragedy Strikes in Plant City, Florida as Train Crash with SUV, Claiming Lives
TAMPA, Fla. — In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Plant City, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the loss of another life on a fateful Sunday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m. when a Cadillac Escalade, carrying a family, was struck by a freight train at the intersection of US-92 and Jim Lefler Circle. The collision, with the train hurtling along at 55 mph, has left our community in shock and mourning.
The family aboard the SUV was en route to a joyous quinceañera celebration when tragedy struck. The sheer force of the collision between the massive train and the family’s Cadillac Escalade led to a horrifying scene, leaving Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister to express the unimaginable destruction that unfolded.
“As you can imagine, the carnage that’s created when these two collide,” Sheriff Chronister said, “The SUV, we can see from the video begins to catapult and flip violently several times before it’s landed.”
The collision resulted in the violent ejection of the passengers, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives and critical injuries to one survivor. The victims were identified as follows: the driver, Jose G. Hernandez, 52; Enedelia Hernandez, 51; Jakub A. Lopez, 17; Alyssa Hernandez, 17; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; and Julian Hernandez, 9. The sole survivor, front-seat passenger 23-year-old Guillermo E. Gama III, remains in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Health as of our latest update.
The scene of the accident was nothing short of horrific, with Sheriff Chronister likening the mangled SUV to a “soft drink can that was smashed.” The loss of innocent lives, especially children, has left the entire community shaken to its core.
Miraculously, there were no reported injuries among the train’s occupants, a small silver lining in the midst of this devastating tragedy.
The absence of crossing arms at the train crossing raises questions about safety measures in place. However, rail safety expert Michael Callanan offered some perspective, explaining that the road where the accident occurred was not intended for public use. “This road is a privately maintained road, an access road to a home,” Callanan clarified. “There’s two homes back there I believe. It’s not a public thoroughfare road; it’s just a road to get to the house. Therefore it’s not required to have those warning devices there because it’s privately owned.”
As we come to terms with this heartbreaking event, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The devastating collision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly at crossings, and the irreplaceable value of human life.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
