One person transported to the hospital after Hawthorne collision between a train and two semis
Staff report based on Alachua County Fire Rescue release
HAWTHORNE, Fla. – One person was transported to a hospital tonight after a train and two semi trucks collided in Hawthorne.
At about 7:30 p.m., Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) units were dispatched to a crash at a railroad crossing in the 7100 block of SE 221st Street. One person was injured and was transported to UF Health Shands for evaluation and further treatment.
One semi truck had heavy damage, and one had minor damage. The railway and roadway were completely blocked, and there was a large diesel fuel tank leak. ACFR reported that the scene was quickly brought under control, with all hazards mitigated.
ACFR was assisted by Melrose Fire Department, Windsor Fire Department, and Gainesville Fire Rescue. The EPA and CSX also responded to the scene.
ACFR did not release any information about the cause of the crash; when Florida Highway Patrol releases that information, it will be added to this article.
They just had a news article on TV20 stating how dangerous this intersection was due to trucks not using the detour from hwy 301 that takes them around Hawthorne. These truck drivers knew what they were doing.
No one disregarded the detour route. They were detouring the semi trucks through Hawthorn
and it still amazes me how people get on the site and bad mouth people when they really don’t have all the information. In one semi was my cousin and he sustained some serious injuries due to the accident. The worst part was my family riding around trying to find him.
So please stop being so judge mental because at the end of the day you don’t know what you’re talking about and these people do have families and these side way remarks hurt 😢
Actually WAY BACK at the 441 split before Citra they are detoured there to 441 north bound and southbound likewise above near Starke.
The drivers disregarded the sign and routes as posted.
They were never supposed to enter the city limits without bills of lading for Hawthorne.
I also thought as you did till I went out far enough to see the truck route detour. I do understand big trucks just let my Class A CDL go last March after 20 years.
My son just went out on the road in his semi and said that people coming thru the Citra area had no “suggestion” to go over to 441, didn’t see signs.
Sad, I hope all recover soon. Is the accident related to the street detours while railroad crossings are being upgraded?
Yes it was my cousin is the one who had to transported to the hospital in serious conditions
Hope he is recovering well. My husband and me where stuck in that traffic for almost one hour. It amazes
Me that they only had one cop in the road blocking the road from 301 to the fire station. Our personal opinion is that they needed a better coordination. This accident could it be prevented. 😢 After the accident more cops showed up and open 301. Buy the way I did not see anyone working on the tracks.
If we can be of any help let us know. Hope others come forward. Specialty the ones that were closer. I keep looking in the Internet to see what happens.
God be with him and your family.