OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - A Tri-Rail train clipped the back of a Miami-Dade Transit bus on the tracks in Opa-locka.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the crash in the area of State Road 9 and Northwest 22nd Avenue, near the Florida Turnpike, at around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to a Tri-Rail spokesperson, a southbound train struck the transit bus. Video taken by a passerby captured the harrowing moments as passengers scrambled to safety.
County officials told 7News, Thursday, that a box truck hit the bus from behind, causing the bus to stall on the tracks, before it fled the scene.
Jermaine, who runs a members-only lounge only feet from where the incident took place, said he was shocked when he saw the terrifying video.
“That was really crazy. “I wonder why they didn’t move out of the way,” said Jermaine. “A lot of people do get stuck right here, especially at that light. I know a lot of stuff happens, but I hope everybody in there is okay, though.”
Locals, like Inigo Oropeza, who works nearby, tells 7News that accidents like this are not unusual, but hopes that it doesn’t happen again.
“Here, often, you see a lot of accidents,” said Oropeza. “Especially interaction you see before you get to the, like, train tracks. The train goes by, like, every two hours.”
“It’s scary, hopefully that doesn’t happen to anybody else.” said Jermaine.
Paramedics treated several passengers on the bus for minor injuries and assessed passengers on the Tri-Rail.
“I feel like a lot of people here, in Miami, don’t have a lot of, like, driving education,” said Oropeza. “The awareness, also, they’re not used to trains.”
The train was eventually cleared to depart; however, the passengers were deboarded and bussed to another station.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Tri-Rail is currently back on the tracks.
An investigation into the crash remains underway as authorities look for the driver.
If you have any information contact the Opa Locka Police Department at 305-953-2877.
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