Train crashes into turntable ladder: several firefighters and passengers injured!

Delray Beach (Florida, USA) - A train and an aerial ladder, an aerial rescue vehicle of the fire department, have collided in the US state of Florida . Several train passengers and firefighters were injured.

Scene of the accident: A railroad crossing in Delray Beach, Florida.
Scene of the accident: A railroad crossing in Delray Beach, Florida.  © Bildmontage: Screenshot/Facebook/Chief Gary Ludwig

According to the authorities, the Brightline train operated by "All Aboard Florida" collided with the fire department truck in Delray Beach (north of Fort Lauderdale) at around 10.45 a.m. (local time) yesterday morning.

Three firefighters were injured and were taken to hospital. Their condition was said to be "stable". Twelve people on the train also suffered minor injuries.

Footage on social media shows the moment of impact at a level crossing. Photos and videos also circulated showing mangled parts of the turntable ladder and the train being crushed head-on.

Images show the mangled remains of the turntable ladder.
Images show the mangled remains of the turntable ladder.  © Bildmontage: Screenshot/Facebook/Chief Gary Ludwig

A person familiar with the incident told ABC News that the aerial ladder maneuvered around the lowered barriers. Local police, train operating company officials and the U.S. Department of Transportation are investigating the cause of the collision.