A sport utility vehicle collided with a Brightline train in Malabar, Florida, Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the hospitalization of the driver. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. at the Jordan Boulevard railroad crossing near U.S. 1.
Brightline Crash Witnesses Report Driver Attempted to Bypass Crossing Arms
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver, estimated to be in his late 50s or 60s, tried to drive around the lowered railroad crossing arms as the high-speed Brightline train approached. The impact of the collision left the SUV significantly damaged.
The aftermath of a Brightline train accident in Malabar, Florida.
Driver Conscious After Brightline Train Collision, No Injuries to Train Passengers
Brevard County Fire Rescue and Malabar Volunteer Fire Department personnel swiftly responded to the scene, extracting the driver from the wreckage. The driver was conscious and alert when first responders arrived, according to witness Tommy Linn Jr., who spoke with the driver while he was trapped in the SUV. No injuries were reported among the passengers on board the Brightline train.
Fourth Brightline-Related Accident in Brevard County This Year
This incident marks the fourth Brightline-related crash in Brevard County in 2025. Tragically, three prior incidents—two in Melbourne and one in Cocoa—resulted in fatalities. All three of those previous accidents involved pedestrians being struck by the train. The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s accident.
Brightline Safety Concerns Rise After Recent Accidents
The recent string of accidents involving Brightline trains has raised concerns about safety measures at railroad crossings. While the investigation into this latest incident is ongoing, previous accidents have highlighted the dangers of attempting to bypass crossing arms and the importance of adhering to traffic signals.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation into the Brightline Accident Today will determine the exact cause of the collision. This ongoing investigation will provide further insights into the factors contributing to the accident and potentially inform future safety improvements.