×

Train making preview run kills woman

MIAMI — A high-speed train that was offering preview runs a day before its debut struck and killed a woman, police in Florida said Saturday.

The woman, Melissa Lavell, 32, was crossing the tracks of the new Brightline train on Friday, Boynton Beach police said.

Witnesses told police the woman tried to make it across after the guardrails were down, attempting to beat the train, which was traveling north. No one on the train was injured.

The Brightline train gave VIP rides to government officials and reporters on Thursday and Friday and began its service on Saturday running between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The company will make 10 round trips daily and nine trips on weekends, starting as early as 6 a.m. It will expand south and north to take passengers from Miami to Orlando.

The Sun Sentinel reported the train was running smoothly Friday evening when it made an abrupt stop and a Brightline employee informed the passengers about a “trespasser incident.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today