After Investigation, Fire Truck Driver Terminated (2024 Brightline Crash)

On April 11th, 2025, CBS News reported that a fire truck driver from Delray Beach who was involved in the catastrophic 2024 Brightlight train crash has been fired. At least 15 people were seriously injured in the incident. There were national headlines about the safety of the railroad after the wreck. Here, our Miami truck accident attorney explains what we know about the case.

Terrible Collision Between Fire Truck and Brightline Train in South Florida 

Shortly after Christmas, a terrible truck/train accident happened in South Florida. On December 28th, 2024, a Brightline high-speed train collided with a Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck. Notably, an initial investigation revealed that the fire truck had driven around lowered crossing gates after a freight train passed. The crash injured 15 people—three firefighters were hurt and 12 train passengers were hurt.

 Internal Investigation: Fire Truck Driver has been Terminated 

Following an investigation, firefighter David Wyatt—the firefighter who was driving the truck when it was struck by the train—was fired. His termination was made official in April of 2025. As confirmed in reporting from CBS News, Mr. Wyatt was fired for “a pattern of carelessness and poor judgment.” The incident has raised some major concerns about public safety protocols. There is still a federal investigation of the train/truck accident. Two agencies are involved:

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): Operating under the United States Department of Transportation, the FRA’s Accident Analysis Branch monitors train accidents continuously and dispatches staff to serious incidents to determine causes and assess for reform.
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): As an independent federal agency, the NTSB investigates significant transportation accidents, including major rail accidents. When the NTSB undertakes an investigation, it assumes primary authority over the case.

Questions Remain About Safety of Brightline Crossings in South Florida 

Major concerns have been—and are still—raised about the safety of Brightline railroad crossings in South Florida. Since its inception in 2017, Brightline trains have been involved in incidents that have contributed to more than 100 fatalities. For reference, that means that it has one of highest death rates among U.S. railroads. There is approximately one death per 33,000 miles traveled over the last eight years. Many injuries have happened as well. With that being said, the train operators themselves are by no means responsible for every incident. Indeed, many of these incidents involve pedestrians or drivers attempting to bypass crossing gates. Still, it is clear that more must be done to improve safety at the railroad crossing locations in South Florida.

 Call Our Miami Truck Accident Lawyer for Immediate Help

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami, FL truck accident attorneys are passionate advocates for justice. If you were involved in any type of railroad-related truck accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial case review. With an office in Miami and an office in West Palm Beach, we fight for justice for victims throughout the wider region in South Florida.

Source:

cbsnews.com/miami/video/delray-beach-fire-truck-driver-fired-after-brightline-crash/