MELBOURNE, Fla. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now in Melbourne to futher investigate a dealy train crash that happened Friday.
They said they will be collecting evidence and documenting the scene for several days.
What You Need To Know
- The The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the cause of two Brightline crashes that occurred in one week
- The two crashes happened in the same railroad crossing and has killed 3 people
- Some residents are calling for more public awareness efforts from Brightline
- NTSB said they should have a preliminary report within 30 days of collecting information
NTSB, in coordination with the Melbourne Police Department , is sending a team to conduct a safety investigation into yesterday’s fatal grade crossing crash involving a Chevrolet Avalanche and a Brightline train in Melbourne, Florida.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 13, 2024
For the second time this week, a Brightline train has been involved in a fatal crash with a vehicle at the intersection of W.H. Jackson Street and U.S. 1, according to the Melbourne Police Department.
Police responded to the scene where the train collided with a Chevy Avalanche. Melbourne police confirmed that two people — Lisa Ann Batchelder, 52, and passenger Michael Anthony Degasperi, 54, both of Melbourne — were killed in the crash.
On Wednesday, a Brightline train struck an SUV, resulting in the death of 62-year-old Charles Julian Phillips and injuring three others. Police are still determining how the SUV got on the tracks as the northbound train approached.
Drivers were asked by police to find an alternate route as they investigated the crash.
The passengers on the train were moved to a new train and headed southbound.
There are gates and signs warning when a train is nearby, however, residents are calling for more public awareness efforts from Brightline.
"It'll be a lot of money, but if they can have some barriers or a barrier come up to stop cars from coming back and forth, and then when the train goes, the barriers come down, that would be great," said Melbourne resident Mark Clenon.
The NTSB said they should have a preliminary report within 30 days of collecting information. Final findings will be available in 12-24 months.
"Investigators will work to better understand the safety issues at this crossing and will examine opportunities to prevent or mitigate these crashes in the future," the board said in a statement.