A collision between an Amtrak train and a semi-truck in Lakeland on Friday evening resulted in the derailment of the train, leaving seven passengers injured, according to first responders. The incident occurred near US 92 at Canal Avenue, prompting authorities to swiftly respond to the scene.

The train collided with the semi-truck, which had been parked on the train tracks on Canal Avenue. The Amtrak train, en route to New York from Miami with a previous stop in Tampa, was carrying a total of 173 individuals, including 163 passengers and 10 crew members.

Of those on board, seven people sustained non-critical injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fire crews reported that approximately 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel were present in the front engine compartment, which collided with the semi-truck. While fuel leakage occurred as a result of the derailment, the exact quantity has yet to be confirmed.

Multiple agencies, including the Lakeland Police Department and the Polk County School Board, responded to the incident. The police department is currently assisting in the relocation of the passengers. The school board arranged for school buses to transport the passengers to the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, where they will await further transportation.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead in investigating the crash. Crews are expected to continue working in the area throughout the night and into Saturday morning.

The collision between the Amtrak train and the semi-truck has raised concerns about the safety of train tracks and the need for increased vigilance in preventing such accidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with parked vehicles on train tracks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.