Woman, grandchild in car struck by Brightline train in Pompano Beach
Source: WPLG
Higher-speed trains just getting back on tracks after pandemic pause:
POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A woman and her 1-year-old grandchild were inside a car that was struck by a Brightline train Monday morning in Pompano Beach — the first day the higher-speed trains resumed passenger service.
The 71-year-old grandmother and baby were rushed to Broward Health North with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The woman suffered broken bones and the child did not appear to be seriously hurt.
The collision occurred in the area of Northeast Third Street and North Flagler Avenue at about 10:21 a.m.
According to Pompano Beach Fire Rescue officials, the train was heading south when the grandmother drove onto the tracks. Officials say the woman was attempting to get off the tracks but was unable to do so.
Sky 10 flew over the scene where a crumpled car with significant damage to its back end remained. An investigation into the crash is underway.
At least 53 passengers were inside the train, including Brightline President Patrick Goddard, who was en route from West Palm Beach to the Fort Lauderdale station for a ceremony to mark the resumption of passenger service.
Brightline, a private company that began operations in 2017, paused in March 2020, early in the COVID-19 pandemic, and was just resuming hourly service between Miami and West Palm Beach.
The train travels at speeds of up to 79 mph through some of Florida’s most densely populated cities. During the shutdown, Brightline has continued laying track for its planned expansion from South Florida to Orlando and its theme parks. That route is set to open in late 2022 or early 2023.
Brightline then plans to open a line between Orlando and Tampa and one between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
As they return to service, company officials said all employees will be vaccinated against COVID-19 and, following federal regulations, they will mandate masks for crew and passengers inside its trains and stations.
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Republished by the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A.