WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A 65-year-old construction worker was killed Wednesday afternoon after police say his dump truck was hit by an Amtrak train along Northlake Boulevard at Beeline Highway.
According to the West Palm Beach Police Department, the collision happened around 2:30 p.m. Investigators said the driver was working on a nearby construction project and tried to go around the railroad crossing arms when the train collided with his vehicle.
WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW:
"I want to acknowledge the tragic loss of life that occurred today. There is a family experiencing immense grief," said West Palm Beach Police Department spokeswoman Rachel Leitão said.
Photos from the scene showed the dump truck destroyed, with twisted metal and debris scattered near the tracks.
Investigators said the safety arms were down, and the warning lights and sounds were activated as the northbound Amtrak train approached.
"The arms were down, lights were activated, sounds were activated, and the train horn was blasting," Leitão said.
Police said the driver of the construction vehicle, identified as Nowel Alfonso, 65, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the driver had been using a temporary construction road that runs parallel to traffic lanes along Northlake Boulevard. That road, according to police, did not have additional train safety protocols in place.
Tow trucks later removed the wreckage as investigators continued to document the scene.
The Amtrak train's operator was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. No additional injuries were reported.
