A recent collision involving a high-speed passenger train in neighboring Stuart serves as an important safety reminder for residents across the Treasure Coast, including those of us here in Vero Beach. On the night of January 7, a Brightline train struck a vehicle left on the railroad tracks at the Rinker Crossing, located at Southeast Dixie Highway and Southeast Decker Avenue.
Fortunately, officials from the Stuart Police Department reported that the vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported in connection with this specific impact.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. when an elderly driver reportedly became confused by the layout of the intersection. According to local officials, the driver mistakenly turned onto the railroad tracks, believing them to be a roadway. At the time the vehicle entered the tracks, the train was not approaching the intersection, and the safety crossing arms were not in the down position.
Key Takeaway: The collision was the result of a navigational error where the driver mistook the tracks for the road. The vehicle was abandoned safely before the train arrived.
This event adds to the growing list of incidents involving the high-speed rail service since it began connecting Orlando to South Florida on September 22, 2023. While the trains pass through Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, there are currently no stops in these areas, meaning the trains travel at higher speeds through our local corridors.
According to data tracked since the service launch, there have been 19 incidents on the Treasure Coast involving Brightline trains striking vehicles or pedestrians. These incidents have resulted in:
- Eight fatalities.
- Seven injuries.
This news is particularly relevant to Vero Beach residents, as the most recent incident prior to the Stuart crash occurred locally. On September 19, 2025, a collision between a Brightline train and a van took place at the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. In that instance, one person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
As rail traffic continues to be a fixture of daily life on the Treasure Coast, local authorities urge all drivers to remain hyper-vigilant near railway crossings, specifically ensuring they do not stop on tracks and are aware of their surroundings at night.
