JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man was hospitalized in serious condition Wednesday morning after colliding with an Amtrak train in the Dinsmore area of Jacksonville, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Police said the Amtrak train was traveling south on the tracks along Moncrief Dinsmore Road when the driver of a Kia that was headed east on Dunn Avenue drove around the rail crossing arms and onto the track.
The Amtrak hit the car, dragging it about a quarter mile south to Civic Club Drive.
The man, who is in his 30s, was taken to a hospital in serious condition, according to police. The train was traveling at normal speed -- which is 78 mph, according to police.
“Just be patient. It’s just simply not worth it,” JSO Sgt. Robert Hungerford said.
He said there were 200 people on the train that was headed to Jacksonville, and it was carrying 10 railcars. None of the passengers were injured.
Police said the train’s arrival was delayed about three hours after the crash.
“Pretty crazy, a lot of people were pretty upset,” Carol Adesso, who spent several hours waiting at the Amtrak station for her daughters, said.
Adesso said her daughters were traveling from New Jersey, and they had no idea what happened as they were on a separate train right behind the one that struck the car.
“Actually, I couldn’t find my girls. I’m like what’s going on? They said that the conductor just told them that a car hit the train,” Adesso said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Civic Club Drive, which crosses the railroad tracks, was closed in both directions.
The track was inspected for damage and none was found.
Police said the Kia driver will not face criminal charges.
Amtrak said it has no information to release.