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Melbourne, FL - A semi-truck driver narrowly avoided injury when his vehicle became immobilized on railroad tracks in Melbourne just moments before a freight train collided with it.
The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the intersection of Lake Washington Road and U.S. Highway 1.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, the semi-truck experienced a mechanical failure, causing it to stall on the tracks.
As the crossing arms descended, signaling an approaching train, the driver exited the vehicle and moved to safety.
Shortly thereafter, a northbound Florida East Coast Railway freight train struck the truck, pushing it approximately 50 yards along the tracks.
Moments later, the crossing arms lowered, and the train collided with the semi-truck.
Melbourne Police Sergeant Benjamin Slover emphasized the importance of evacuating a stalled vehicle on train tracks.
He stated that remaining inside a disabled vehicle on the tracks is dangerous, as trains cannot stop quickly and will overpower any obstruction.
No injuries were reported in the incident, but the collision caused significant damage to the semi-truck and the crossing signals.
Florida East Coast Railway crews began track repairs the following day and implemented a "slow order" to protect workers while train traffic resumed cautiously in the area.
The Melbourne Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Traffic Investigator Officer Grohman at (321) 616-5809.