ROCKLEDGE, Fla. — Just before 2 p.m. today, a car collided with a Brightline train at the railroad crossing where Barton Boulevard meets U.S. Highway 1. Rockledge Police said the driver was exiting southbound U.S. 1 to head west on Barton and could not stop in time. The car slid into the crossing arm and struck the passing train. No major injuries were reported to the driver or passenger. The vehicle was a total loss. Brightline sent a second train so passengers could transfer and continue their trips.
This crash comes as Brevard County continues to see a share of Brightline incidents since service expanded to Orlando. From September 2023 through June 2024, federal data tallied 34 Brightline fatalities statewide, with 12 in Brevard during that span, where the train does not currently stop.
Brevard has had several high-profile collisions over the past year. In September, a Rockledge driver died after driving through a lowered crossing arm at U.S. 1 and Eyster Boulevard. Earlier this year, a man walking along the tracks in Cocoa was struck and killed.
Statewide, Brightline has drawn scrutiny for having the nation’s highest fatality count per mile since launching service in 2017. Recent analyses put the total deaths at about 180 to 185, with most cases involving trespassing, gate circumventions, or suspected suicides. Safety advocates and local officials have pushed for more quad-gate installations, fencing, and cameras, while Brightline and local governments note that many Brevard crossings already meet or exceed federal standards and are seeking funding for additional upgrades.
Rockledge Police remained on scene this afternoon to investigate the circumstances of today’s crash. Anyone who witnessed the collision at Barton and U.S. 1 is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated as additional details are released by Rockledge Police or Brightline.
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