While firefighters need to respond to emergencies as fast as possible, they also need to be safe. While I’ve never gone around lowering crossing gates at train tracks, I know the temptation is there. However, you don’t want to get hit by a train like three Florida firefighters did. 

A train split a Florida fire truck in half, sending firefighters flying

Brightline, a privately owned and operated passenger train company would like to take a moment to remind people about railroad safety. 

It shared that railroad safety is a community-wide effort, and for everyone’s safety, never drive around crossing gates when they’re down. 

Florida firefighters were reminded of this after failing to race a train across the tracks. According to Yahoo, a Delray Beach Fire-Rescue firetruck was driving around lowered crossing gates seconds before a collision occurred. 

The passenger train hit the ladder truck and ripped it in half. Three firefighters were ejected from the truck and went flying. Also, 12 passengers on the train were injured. The men were found lying in the grass beside the firetruck, which landed on its side. 

The crash occurred at the Florida East Coast Railway tracks about a block south of Atlantic Avenue, across from the Delray Beach Market food hall. Nearby patrons and business owners heard a massive bang as the train and truck collided. 

City officials shared that the three Delray Beach Fire-Rescue workers are in stable condition. They’re located at a local hospital. Luckily, 12 people hurt in the crash only needed to be treated for minor injuries. 

It’s unclear why the firetruck was attempting to beat the train across the tracks. However, the cause of the crash is being investigated by the Delray Beach Police. It’s possible that the firefighters were responding to a call before needing to be rescued themselves.