Crossing gates, or mechanical arms at a railroad crossing, descend and flash bright lights to alert drivers of an approaching train. These gates are intended to avoid mishaps, such as the destruction of a fire engine responding to an emergency in Delray Beach, FL.
With the grossing gates dropped on both sides, the fire vehicle weaves past them and comes to a stop on the tracks just in time for a Brightline passenger train to hit with it at full speed. Unsurprisingly, the firetruck was wrecked.
The firefighters on board sustained minor injuries, and a few passengers on the train reported non-traumatic injuries.
Locals told CBS Miami that seeing cars stopped on the rails is not uncommon. Some claim they see it “all the time.” So, when the dashcam footage from the Brightline train was released, no one was surprised.
The Fire Department Appeared Disappointed
According to CBS, first responders are typically expected to respect traffic laws and not cross through gates that have been lowered. Ronald L. Martin of the Delray Beach Fire Rescue issued a statement that read:
“This crash is a sobering reminder that emergency responders must always balance the urgency inherent in their work with caution, ensuring that the safety of our community remains our guiding principle.”
The fire truck disaster was a “turning point,” according to the department chief, who stated to the publication that firefighters will prioritize public safety.
Viewers Displayed No Compassion
A person who identified as a firefighter stated that there is a special name for slowing down for a train.
“As a firefighter/engineer on the West Coast we never go through the gates,” according to them. We will report a train delay. This will alert our dispatch to adapt the dispatch response, as well as other units to change their response methods.”
Another believed it was ridiculous that some locals blamed the train for the crash.
“So, if I understand correctly, the villagers blame the train? Really? You can’t have any more warnings than there already are? Signs, lights, gates, and sirens? “What else do you need?” they wrote.
Another spectator with firefighting experience joined in.
“21 years ago, I was a volunteer firefighter. We were a tiny fire district with a busy railroad passing through the center of town. This same issue, navigating past railroad crossing signs, was thoroughly taught in our emergency car accident prevention course. They wrote, “I can’t imagine how the fire truck driver missed this.”
Reference: Passenger train destroys fire truck, captain says the accident is a ‘sober reminder.’
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