In a devastating incident on Saturday evening, September 23, a freight train and an SUV collided in Plant City, Florida, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and leaving one critically injured. The SUV was transporting a family of seven to a quinceañera celebration, a traditional Latin American event marking a girl’s 15th birthday.

Surveillance footage revealed that the SUV was slowly approaching a train crossing in Plant City, marked only by a stop sign and lacking crossing arms. Without checking for oncoming trains, the driver proceeded, placing the vehicle directly in the path of the mile-long freight train approaching at 55 mph. Despite efforts from witnesses in nearby parked cars and the train’s conductor, who sounded their horns and flashed lights, the collision was unavoidable.

The impact of the collision was so severe that all five backseat passengers were ejected from the vehicle. The two men in the front seat, including the driver, were trapped in the wreckage and had to be extricated. They were immediately transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but sadly, the driver did not survive the incident.

The authorities have identified the individuals who lost their lives in this tragic accident. The deceased include Julian Hernandez, 9; Jakub A. Lopez, 17; Alyssa Hernandez, 17; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; Enedelia Hernandez, 51; and Jose G. Hernandez, aged 52. Their heartbreaking loss has deeply affected witnesses and first responders present at the scene.

During a press conference, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shared details about the collision, describing the state of the SUV as resembling a “smashed soft drink can” due to the violent impact. The circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event are currently under investigation to determine the factors that led to this devastating collision.