SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman was on the railroad tracks in her SUV Wednesday when she was hit and killed by a SunRail train, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the crash happened near Market and Williams streets at 11:55 a.m. Witnesses said the driver of the SUV went around the signal arms that were in the down position for the approaching train.
The SunRail train hit the SUV. The driver was the only person inside the SUV and was pronounced dead on scene, according to the FHP.
Shyteria Cuyler said the woman in the SUV was her aunt.
“When I got this call, I was like 'Are you sure it’s her you sure it’s her?” said Cuyler, adding she feels "devastated because we were just talking and laughing and playing this morning.”
Cuyler said her aunt had just left home before the crash happened. She said it’s a sad reminder about safety.
"Patience is the key. If you're not in a rush or not trying to outrun the train, or go around the train, we wouldn’t be in this situation we’re in," said Cuyler.
There were approximately 20 to 25 people on the train when the crash happened, troopers said.
According to SunRail, Train P319 SB was delayed 60 minutes for law enforcement assistance near the tracks.
All Sunrail trains are back on schedule.
Troopers are still notifying next of kin about the tragedy. News 6 will not release her name at this time out of respect for the family.