A train carrying 173 passengers derailed Friday evening in Lakeland, Florida, after colliding with a semi-trailer carrying cars, causing 8 minor injuries.
The train was also carrying more than 6,000 liters of oil, which forced the complete evacuation of all passengers, CNN reports.
It is moreover this part of the machine which first came into contact with the vehicle.
“The train was heading east out of Miami, then stopped in Tampa before heading back to New York,” said Lakeland Fire Chief Jason Busby. There were 173 people on board, including 163 passengers and 10 crew members. 8 people slightly injured were transported to a hospital.
The other passengers were transported to Tampa, where they spent the night.
According to the preliminary investigation of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the trailer of the truck would have become stuck on the rails, which would have caused the accident.
“It’s a miracle no one was seriously injured in this incident,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The damage caused by this collision is estimated between 6 and 10 million dollars.