POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office identified a woman Friday who they said was pronounced dead after a Brightline train struck her car in Pompano Beach Tuesday night.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the crash was reported at 9:35 p.m. near Atlantic Boulevard and Dixie Highway.
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BSO deputies and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue crews responded to the area.
The woman, who deputies identified as Melissa Ordonez, 42, of Miramar, was driving a 2024 Lexus NX-250 SUV traveling westbound on West Atlantic Boulevard in the far-left lane approaching the intersection of Dixie Highway when the traffic signal at the intersection cycled to red and she stopped her SUV beyond the stop bar on the railroad tracks.
According to investigators, as the train approached the grade crossing, the safety lights, bells and gates were activated.
For unknown reasons, Ordonez remained on the tracks, said detectives. The train engineer observed the vehicle and applied the emergency brakes upon approaching the grade crossing.
Detectives say the front of the train struck the driver’s side of the Lexus in a “T-bone” type collision, pushing it sideways through the grade crossing. Paramedics pronounced Ordonez dead at the scene.
BSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators remind pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to stop, look and listen when crossing railroad tracks.
When a train is approaching, never go around the lowered safety arms and don’t stop on the tracks.
Authorities also said drivers should not underestimate the speed of any train. It may be traveling faster and be closer than you think. Even if the train engineer sees you, he or she will not be able to stop in time.