September 23 was a dark day for the Plant City community. Just before 7 p.m. on Saturday, a CSX train going 55 mph crashed into an SUV containing seven people. Six out of the seven people in the car were killed, including three children.
The lone survivor, Guillermo Gama, is said to be in critical condition. The deceased have since been identified as:
- Anaelia Hernandez, 22
- Jose G. Hernandez, 52
- Enedelia Hernandez, 50
- Alyssa Hernandez, 17
- Julian Hernandez, 9
- Jakub A. Lopez, 17
Aftermath of the tragedy
“I think anyone who sees the carnage that’s been created, whenever you compound that with the fact that some children lost their life here, maybe an entire family lost their life here tonight,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We’re all visibly shaken. We’re all rattled at our core tonight.” Via WPTV.com.
The circumstances leading up to the horrific incident are not yet known, and it’s not clear what time of day or not this took place.
In a statement, CSX said that they extended their heartfelt condolences to the victims. They also mentioned that more than 60% of train collisions take place at railroad crossings that have crossing lights, gates, or both.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is very sorry to hear this somber news. Our phone number is (561) 655-1990 in the event you or a loved one needs legal assistance after being impacted by a railroad accident.
