A woman was killed after being struck by a train in Deerfield Beach early Sunday morning, officials said.
Broward Sheriff's Office officials said they received a call about a train versus pedestrian crash near East Hillsboro Boulevard and North Dixie Highway shortly after 9 a.m.
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WATCH HEREDeputies and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to the scene and found a woman lying next to a Brightline and a Florida East Coast Railway cargo train. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told detectives that the woman walked around the protective barrier on Hillsboro Boulevard and began walking northbound on the Brightline train tracks as the FEC train was passing southbound on the adjacent east side track.
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The pedestrian was struck by the Brightline train that was traveling southbound on the tracks, and the impact of that collision caused her to fall into the adjacent tracks where she was struck by the FEC train.
"I started shaking because I know something really bad happened," said Jonathan Souza who heard the crash. "I knew someone was dead because it was a big bang."
Souza was close to the scene, walking near the canal under the bridge, when he heard a loud bang and thought the train hit a car. He later found out it was a pedestrian.
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"It’s sad because I know whoever died had a family. And I’m sorry for their family. It’s Sunday, we should be home around the family," Souza said.
Javier Perez, a bystander and frequent walker around the area said the tragedy was "so sad," and that those walking around need to make sure they are safe and aware of their surroundings.
Authorities have not released any information on the identity of the victim.
BSO’s Homicide and Crime Scene investigators were notified and are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
All lanes of Hillsboro Boulevard and Eller Drive at Dixie Highway in Deerfield Beach have reopened after being shut down due to the crash.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
