TAMPA, FL – A devastating collision between a freight train and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Plant City, Florida, claimed another life on Sunday, bringing the death toll to six, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. when a Cadillac Escalade, carrying a family en route to a quinceañera, was hit by a train traveling at 55 mph at the intersection of US-92 and Jim Lefler Circle.

Sheriff Chad Chronister described the aftermath of the collision as a scene of carnage. The impact caused the SUV to flip several times before coming to a halt, violently ejecting the occupants. Six family members died at the scene, while one passenger, 23-year-old Guillermo E. Gama III, survived but is in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Health.

The deceased victims were identified as 52-year-old Jose G. Hernandez, the driver; Enedelia Hernandez, 51; Jakub A. Lopez, 17; Alyssa Hernandez, 17; Anaelia Hernandez, 22; and Julian Hernandez, 9. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the family was on their way to a quinceañera, a traditional Hispanic celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday, at the time of the crash.

Sheriff Chronister likened the wreckage of the family’s SUV to a “soft drink can that was smashed,” emphasizing the severity of the crash. He expressed his condolences, stating that the loss of young lives in such a tragic incident has left everyone visibly shaken.

The train involved in the collision did not report any injuries among its crew. The crossing where the accident occurred lacked crossing arms and featured only a stop sign. However, Michael Callanan, a rail safety expert, clarified that the road was a private access road, not intended for public traffic. As such, it was not required to have warning devices installed.

The tragic incident underscores the importance of safety measures at train crossings, particularly on private roads. Investigations into the circumstances leading to the crash are ongoing.