Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating fatal vehicle-train collision in Plant City after an Amtrak train struck a truck with one occupant.
HCSO deputies were dispatched to the railroad crossing at Jim Lefler Circle and US-92 at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to HCSO, the Amtrak crew aboard the train told detectives that they blew the horn multiple times to indicate the train could not slow down. However, the truck did not clear the way.
“At this time, it is unclear why the driver did not move off from the tracks as the train approached them at a high speed, unable to stop,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. “Although the investigation is in the preliminary stages, there is no indication of criminal wrongdoing. It appears to be a tragic accident.”
Detectives are currently working to identify the victim.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information that may be relevant to the investigation is urged to contact the HCSO at 813-247-8200.