SunRail train strikes semi in Orange County, closing road, delaying commuter rail

ORLANDO, Fla. – A SunRail train carrying 11 passengers struck a semitrailer Wednesday morning in Orange County, causing the closure of a roadway and delaying a commuter rail route, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

“A car that was in the opposite lane pulls in front of (the truck) suddenly and prevents (the driver) from clearing the tracks with the trailer portion of his truck,” Lt. Kim Montes with the Florida Highway Patrol said. “Unable to go anywhere, he’s kind of pinned in. The arms come down, the alerts go on, then a train’s coming.”

No injuries were reported in the crash, which happened near Wetherbee Road and Orange Avenue, prompting the closure of Wetherbee in the area.

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The train struck the trailer, which was carrying a forklift, troopers said. Debris from the crash struck two nearby SUV’s, according to the FHP.

“Luckily, nobody was injured,” Montes said.

Video from the scene showed a damaged forklift near the tracks.

“I’ve seen so many cars park on the track and unfortunately today was the day,” Josephine Gomez, who lives near the tracks, said. “I’m just glad nothing happened to anyone during this because it looks really tragic.”

No information about the car that cut off the semi was released.

“I’m just surprised that nobody died, and I thank God for that that nobody died,” Gomez said. “If you see it, you can’t believe it that nobody got hurt.”

Train P303 southbound was delayed by 60 minutes due to police assistance near the tracks, SunRail tweeted.

“Bus Bridge will be implemented between Sand Lake Rd. and Meadow Woods stations. We will continue to provide updates. All other trains are on time,” the tweet said.