Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Fatal Crashes Prompt Investigation into Brightline Train Safety

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced its intention to investigate two fatal crashes involving Florida’s Brightline train. The incidents occurred at the same railroad crossing along the high-speed train’s route between Miami and Orlando, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives.

Multiple Fatalities Highlight Safety Concerns

These recent crashes took place on Wednesday and Friday at a crossing located on the U.S. 1 corridor in Melbourne, situated on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Since the launch of Brightline’s 160-mile extension between South Florida and Orlando last September, a total of five deaths have been recorded, according to data compiled by the Associated Press.

The most recent accident claimed the lives of Lisa Ann Batchelder, 52, and Michael Anthony Degasperi, 54, both residents of Melbourne. The previous incident on Wednesday resulted in the tragic death of 62-year-old Charles Julian Phillips, the driver of the vehicle struck by the train. Additionally, three passengers in that vehicle sustained injuries, as confirmed by the local Melbourne police department.

Mayor Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures

Reacting to the accidents, Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey expressed concerns and called for increased safety measures. Mayor Alfrey emphasized the need for drivers to adhere to the warning signals and not attempt to outpace the train. He revealed his discussion with Brightline officials regarding the implementation of another public safety campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossings when the train is approaching at high speeds.

“If the arm is down, don’t go around,” urged Mayor Alfrey in an interview with Orlando television station WKMG. He stressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that there is no positive outcome when attempting to challenge a train’s speed. The mayor lamented the unfortunate loss of life and underlined the importance of adhering to safety precautions.

Brightline’s High-Speed Service

Brightline’s trains, recognizable for their bright, neon yellow color, are capable of reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in certain sections. The journey between Miami and Orlando covers a distance of 235 miles and lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it approximately 30 minutes faster than the average drive.

NTSB Investigation Underway

A team from the NTSB has arrived at the accident site and is expected to remain there for several days. The investigators aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the safety concerns at the crossing and explore potential measures to prevent or mitigate such accidents in the future. NTSB spokeswoman Sarah Taylor Sulick announced that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while a final report is anticipated within 12 to 24 months.

Focus on Safety Awareness

Although Brightline has not yet responded to media inquiries, the company has taken steps to improve safety awareness at railroad crossings. Warning signs have been installed near these crossings to alert drivers of the fast-moving trains. Nevertheless, the recent incidents highlight the necessity for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of both train passengers and drivers on the road.

Concerns Over High Fatality Rate

The three fatalities in Melbourne this week contribute to a total of at least 108 deaths since Brightline’s commencement of operations in July 2017. According to an ongoing analysis conducted by the Associated Press since 2019, this equates to one death for every approximately 38,000 miles traveled by Brightline trains. Regrettably, this represents the highest death rate among the over 800 railroads nationwide. For comparison, California’s Caltrain commuter line, which logs at least 100,000 train-miles annually, has an average of one death per 125,000 miles traveled during the same period.

It should be noted that none of Brightline’s prior fatalities have been attributed to the railroad’s negligence. The majority of incidents involve suicides, pedestrians attempting to cross the tracks ahead of the train, or drivers who bypass crossing gates instead of waiting for the train to pass.

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