Ft. Lauderdale Train Accident Leaves One Dead

A Coral Springs Man died when his car was unable to clear the railroad crossing on West Atlantic Blvd., in Ft. Lauderdale, and was struck by an Amtrack Train. The train, which was traveling from Miami to New York, was going approximately 80 m.p.h. when it had the accident with a car driven by Shawn Crowell.

According to reports, the crossing gates were down and even though the the train conductor apparently engaged his emergency brake, the train tragically slammed into the car. Per the Sheriff’s Office, witnesses said the crossing gates and flashing lights appeared to be working. Crowell apparently had started crossing the tracks, but was apparently unable to move due to heavy vehicle traffic.

We have too often seen these types of deadly accidents, and given the number of railroad crossing in South Florida, we urge everyone to be particularly aware of their vehicle’s location in and around railroad crossing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Crowell’s family.