Driver hit, killed by Amtrak train on Jacksonville’s Westside

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A driver is dead after being hit by an Amtrak train in Jacksonville’s Ortega area Thursday night.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened after 10 p.m. near a residential area at the railroad crossing at Avent Drive and Roosevelt Boulevard.

Police said the crossing arms and lights were working properly but the driver attempted to go around them when he was hit.

JSO said the driver died before medical crews arrived.

There were 100 passengers on the train on their way to \New York, coming from Miami. Amtrak said there were no reported injuries to the passengers or crew members.

The extent of the damage to the train isn’t known yet but the train was not derailed.

The crash is still under investigation.

Read the statement from Amtrak below:

“This incident is a critical reminder to the public about the importance of exercising caution around railroad tracks and crossings. Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver (OLI) to communicate the dangers of being inattentive at rail grade crossings and along the railroad right-of-way. Each year, approximately 2,000 people are killed or injured in grade crossings and trespassing incidents nationwide. For more railroad safety information, visit Operation Lifesaver’s website at oli.org.”

Cox Media Group