INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A driver was able to escape serious injury after his sports utility vehicle got stuck at a railroad crossing overnight, sheriff’s officials said. The man got out of the SUV before an oncoming train slammed into the automobile.
The incident happened at the Highlands Drive and Old Dixie Highway railroad crossing, just west of U.S. 1. The driver was attempting to pass the tracks when his vehicle got stuck in the gravel, deputies said.
“The passing train was unable to stop in time and struck the vehicle,” Indian River County sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
The impact crushed the SUV, leaving the vehicle totaled, sheriff’s officials said. The railroad crossing was closed for about three hours before it reopened, sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Joe Abollo said.
Florida East Coast Railway officials moved the train off of the tracks. FEC representatives, along with the sheriff’s office, continue to investigate the wreck.
“Please, obey the safety equipment at railroad grade crossings. They are there to keep you safe,” sheriff’s officials said. “And never ever try to ‘beat the train.'”
