Accident – death – Obituary News :

The National Transportation Safety Board to Investigate Brightline Train Accidents in Florida

Introduction

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will be launching an investigation into two recent train accidents involving Brightline trains in Florida. These accidents occurred at the same railroad crossing on the bullet train’s route between Miami and Orlando, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The NTSB will be looking into the safety issues at this intersection and working to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Details of the Accidents

The first accident took place on Wednesday, when a vehicle driven by 62-year-old Charles Julian Phillips was struck by a Brightline train. Sadly, Phillips lost his life in the incident, while three passengers in the vehicle sustained injuries. The second accident occurred on Friday, claiming the lives of driver Lisa Ann Batchelder, 52, and passenger Michael Anthony Degasperi, 54, both from Melbourne. The vehicle they were in was also struck by a Brightline train at the same railroad crossing.

Concerns About Railroad Crossings

In response to these accidents, Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey expressed his concerns about the safety of railroad crossings. He stated that the SUV involved in the Wednesday accident was attempting to escape the train, emphasizing the importance of following safety precautions. Mayor Alfrey has already discussed the possibility of conducting another public safety campaign with Brightline officials to raise awareness and urge riders to avoid railroad crossings due to the high speeds at which the trains travel.

Brightline’s Safety Measures

Brightline, the company operating the bullet train, has taken steps to promote safety near railroad crossings. Warning signs have been placed near intersections to alert drivers of the fast-moving trains. However, it is crucial for individuals to strictly adhere to safety guidelines and not attempt to bypass barriers or ignore warning signs.

NTSB Investigation

The NTSB team will be present at the accident site for several days, aiming to understand the safety issues at the intersection and develop measures to prevent or mitigate similar accidents in the future. A preliminary report will be released within 30 days, followed by a final report in 12 to 24 months.

Previous Incidents and Safety Record

This week’s tragic accidents in Melbourne mark the 108th death since Brightline began operating in July 2017. It is important to note that the majority of these incidents were not the fault of the railroad. Many were attributed to suicides, pedestrians attempting to cross the tracks in front of the train, or drivers who disregarded safety barriers. Nevertheless, Brightline’s mortality rate, with one death for every 38,000 miles traveled, is the highest among the country’s more than 800 rail companies. Comparatively, California commuter line Caltrain has the second-worst rate, averaging one fatality per 125,000 miles traveled since 2017.

Conclusion

The NTSB’s investigation into the recent Brightline train accidents in Florida highlights the importance of adhering to safety measures at railroad crossings. It is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and follow the guidelines set in place to prevent tragic incidents like these. By raising awareness and promoting safety, we can help reduce the occurrence of accidents and protect lives.

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