Amtrak Train Hits Trailer Of Truck At Crossing Near Auburndale

AUBURNDALE, FL -- An Amtrak train hit the trailer of a semi truck Thursday afternoon, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported. After an eight-hour delay, the train was back on the tracks about 10:30 p.m. and headed to its next stop. The sheriff's office reports there were no injuries to anyone on the train or to the driver of the semi. The train did not derail.

Auburndale Police arrived at the crash site at Recker Highway near Derby Avenue about 2:48 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. Since the site is in unincorporated Polk County, the sheriff’s office handled the investigation.

According to officials, an Amtrak train was traveling east on the rail line when it struck the trailer portion of the semi-tractor truck that has just crossed the tracks at the Recker Highway crossing. The train dragged the trailer a short distance before stopping.

The sheriff’s office worked to detach the trailer from the truck and moved it out of the way so the tracks could reopen for travel.

Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Allen Barber surveys the crash site.

Photo by Polk County Sheriff's Sgt. Matt Beebe