Caught on camera: Brightline train collides with vehicle on tracks in Aventura

AVENUTRA, Fla. – A Brightline train collided with a vehicle on the tracks in Aventura on Monday afternoon.

Surveillance video from a nearby business shows the driver of the gray sedan going around a white SUV, and then onto the tracks and into the path of the train. It appears the driver drove on the westbound lane against traffic, and around the eastbound gate, which appeared to be down.

Aventura police were at the scene of the collision that took place just after 3 p.m. along 21500 E. Dixie Highway, right at the border between Hallandale Beach and Aventura.

Parts of the vehicle, including what appears to be its engine and transmission, could be seen scattered across the street.

Witnesses say the driver, who has not yet been identified, was able to walk away from the accident and was transported to an area hospital.

“I heard the noise and the impact, and I ran out and I saw her coming out from the car, sitting on the grass and everybody coming and helping her. Thank God she’s OK. Seems to be. Then I called the police,” said a witness.

The vehicle has since been towed away from the scene.

In recent months, several drivers have been trying to beat the safety gates. Last week, passengers were stuck on a Brightline train for more than two hours, after it collided with a tractor trailer transporting a Tesla.

Officials asked drivers to seek an alternate route.


About the Authors:

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.

Veronica Crespo writes for Local10.com and also oversees the Español section of the website. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism and Spanish.