Photo: (WJXT)
A 42-year-old Jacksonville woman died Wednesday night after she drove around railroad crossing arms and was hit by an Amtrak passenger train on Jacksonville’s Westside, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The deadly crash crew emergency crews to the railroad crossing at Roosevelt Boulevard and Timuquana Road just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
FHP said the woman was driving south on US 17 (Roosevelt Boulevard) when she turned right onto Timuquana Road, drove around the railroad crossing gates, and was hit by the train, which was headed north.
The woman, who was wearing a seat belt, died at the scene from her injuries.
B witnessed the crash and recalled trying to help the woman during her last moments.
“I ran across the street, busted out windows, tried to cut off the seat belt. I held her hand. I was praying for her. She lasted about four minutes before she left,” she told News4JAX. “I was too short to reach into the car in order to be able to answer the phone. Someone was calling her on her Apple Watch, and they kept calling and calling.”
B said she couldn’t imagine trying to break the news to whoever was calling.
“I don’t think I would have been able to tell that family member that she was gone,” B said. “My condolences to the family. I tried my best.”
Video from the scene showed a badly damaged car crumpled under the Amtrak passenger train.
News4JAX has reached out to Amtrak for comment. We have asked how many passengers were on the train at the time.
We will update this story when we receive a response.
Deadly statistics
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 262 deaths were reported at highway-rail grade crossings in 2024.
Last year, that increased to 286.
So far this year, there have been at least 94 deaths reported at highway rail crossings.
Legal Support for Train Accident Injury Claims
Train accidents can result in serious injuries and complicated legal issues that require experienced representation. At Ovadia Law Group, we provide dedicated legal support for individuals pursuing train accident claims. Our personal injury attorneys understand the complexities involved and work to protect your rights from the beginning. We focus on building strong cases that reflect the full impact of your injuries, including medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress. With a commitment to clear communication and personalized attention, we guide you through every step of the legal process. If you’ve been injured in a train accident, call Ovadia Law Group at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Source: News4jax
