Oakland Park, FL (May 20, 2026) – A man died Wednesday morning after a Tri-Rail train struck the car he was driving at Oakland Park Blvd in Oakland Park. The deadly collision occurred at approximately 10:12 a.m. as the southbound train traveled toward a maintenance yard.
Officials said the train hit the vehicle near the crossing along Oakland Park Blvd. The male driver was pronounced dead following the crash. His identity had not been released as of Thursday.
No passengers were aboard the train at the time because it was heading to the maintenance facility. Tri-Rail later announced that a bus bridge was being used between the Cypress Creek and Fort Lauderdale stations while rail service in the affected section was addressed. Additional details about what led to the collision were not immediately available.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal train accident. We extend our sincere condolences to the man’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Why Railroad Crossing Crashes Can Be Especially Severe
Railroad crossing crashes often result in catastrophic injuries because trains require much longer stopping distances than standard roadway vehicles. Even when emergency braking is activated, a moving train may continue traveling for a significant distance before coming to a complete stop. This can leave drivers with little time to avoid contact once a vehicle enters the tracks.
Many crossings include warning lights, crossing gates, pavement markings, and audible signals intended to alert approaching drivers. Visibility, driver attention, weather, and roadway design are commonly reviewed after train-related crashes occur. Transportation agencies also study traffic flow near crossings to identify places where additional warning systems may improve safety. In urban corridors, rail disruptions caused by these collisions can affect commuter schedules and lead to temporary service changes while crews work to restore normal operations.
