PLANT CITY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly vehicle-train crash in Plant City.
The sheriff's office said on Thursday around 4:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the railroad crossing at Jim Lefler Circle and US-92 where an Amtrak train hit a vehicle with the driver inside.
The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said.
Amtrak crews told detectives they blew the horn several times, signaling the driver that the train could not slow down. Despite those efforts, the truck did not move off the railroad.
"At this time, it is unclear why the driver did not move off from the tracks as the train approached them at a high speed, unable to stop," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Although the investigation is in the preliminary stages, there is no indication of criminal wrongdoing. It appears to be a tragic accident."
Detectives are working to identify the victim.
Amtrak officials said there were no injuries to the 150 passengers or crew members on board.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information related to the incident is asked to call the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8200.
