1 dead after Amtrak train crashes into car in Oakland Park

Crash to affect Tri-Rail operations for several hours

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. ā€“ One person was killed Friday when an Amtrak train crashed into a vehicle in Oakland Park, Tri-Rail spokeswoman Bonnie Arnold said.

The crash was reported shortly after 1 p.m. on Oakland Park Boulevard off Interstate 95.

Broward Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Joy Oglesby said in a news release that the driver of the car was traveling east on West Oakland Park Boulevard when his car was struck by the northbound train.

"For some reason, the driver of the vehicle did not stop and continued," Steve Krivjanik, assistant chief of the Oakland Park Fire Rescue Department, said.

Oglesby said the train crashed into the passenger-side of the vehicle, pushing the car into a metal pole.

The driver, who was the only person inside the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Krivjanik said the barriers were down when the crash occurred and all signals were working correctly.

"He crossed the tracks about the same time that the train was crossing the tracks. The train was within the speed limit of what's required for this area," Krivjanik said.

The assistant chief said the train operator was only driving about 60 mph, which is under the speed limit for trains in that area.

Arnold said the fatal crash would impact Tri-Rail operations for several hours because Tri-Rail trains share the same track as Amtrak.

Passengers were being bused between the Cypress Creek and Fort Lauderdale stations.

Arnold said no other injuries were reported.

BSO traffic homicide detectives are investigating the crash.

West Oakland Park Boulevard was shut down in both directions after the crash between Powerline Road and Northwest 21st Avenue.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."