Tri-Rail Train Strikes SUV, Causes Chain Reaction

OPA-LOCKA, FL — A southbound Tri-Rail train believed to be carrying several hundred passengers collided with an SUV in Northwest Miami-Dade County, which in turn caused a chain reaction collision with four other vehicles on Tuesday afternoon. The crash occurred along Opa-Locka Boulevard near NW 35 Street. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were on the scene at the the start of the evening rush hour shortly after 4 p.m.

Tri-Rail's Bonnie Arnold told Patch that there appeared to be only minor injuries and no major delays on the service. Drivers were being advised to find alternate routes around the crash scene.

The southbound train hit a car at Opa-Locka Boulevard," she explained. "No major injuries, just some minor injuries. The car did cause a chain effect and some other cars were involved."

Lt. Felipe Lay of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told Patch that three people were taken to area hospitals.

"Everybody had minor injuries of the three patients that were transported," Lay confirmed.

Arnold said that the train was on its way to Miami International Airport. She estimated that between 300 to 400 people would typically have been riding the train at that time of day.

Arnold added that the train system operates on double tracks and subsequently experienced only minor delays.

Lay said it appears that a black SUV got caught on the tracks and was boxed in by other vehicles. He said the incident should serve as a reminder to all motorists.

"Wait until you have enough room to totally clear the track on the other side," Lay warned.

Photo courtesy Opa-Locka Police Department