Semi-Truck Struck by Amtrak Train in Lakeland: Walberto Carrazana Bermudez and Jose Luis Lahera Vidal Involved

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has revealed that the semi-truck involved in a collision with an Amtrak train in Lakeland on Friday night was stuck on the tracks just before the accident occurred. The incident took place around 7 p.m. when the truck, which was transporting seven vehicles, became immobilized while traveling north on Canal Avenue North.

As the truck failed to clear the railroad crossing, an Amtrak train carrying 163 passengers and 10 crew members from Miami to New York approached at approximately 78 mph. Train engineer Ronald Webb of Jacksonville noticed the stranded vehicle and began sounding the horn as a warning.

At this point, both crossing arms and lights were activated, colliding with the truck. A dashboard camera footage captured by a nearby vehicle showed how severe impact resulted from this collision. The front part of the truck extended beyond the tracks, causing it to be pulled backward when struck by the train's trailer. Several drivers who witnessed this incident immediately stopped their vehicles to offer assistance.

After hitting the truck, it took about 12 seconds for the Amtrak train to come to a complete stop. Prior to impact, however, both Walberto Carrazana Bermudez of Homestead (the driver) and his passenger Jose Luis Lahera Vidal of Hialeah managed to exit their vehicle safely.

According to authorities' reports released Saturday following further investigation into this incident; "The Amtrak train collided with [the] truck and continued about 200 yards before stopping." It was also noted that there was minor damage caused by derailment at its front engine section along with a small diesel leak.

Fortunately, only eight individuals sustained minor injuries as a result of this collision - seven were transported via ambulance while one person used private transportation for medical attention.

A collision between a passenger train and a semi-truck could have been much worse." He also commended the swift response and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved.

Following the incident, Amtrak arranged for buses to transport passengers and crew members to Tampa. As for Bermudez, he received a citation for insufficient clearance at a railroad crossing.

The aftermath of the accident led to the closure of US 92 and Canal Avenue North for approximately ten hours while first responders worked diligently to clear the scene. The total cost of damages resulting from this incident is estimated to be between $6 million and $10 million.

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