Palm Beach Gardens Crash at Railroad Crossing Leaves One Dead, Causes Major Delays on Northlake Boulevard

A fatal crash at a railroad crossing in Palm Beach Gardens left one person dead Wednesday afternoon, according to the City of Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR). The collision occurred on Northlake Boulevard near Beeline Highway, prompting the closure of all eastbound lanes and causing significant traffic delays throughout the area.

Authorities say the crash happened at the railroad crossing, where police and emergency responders found a severely damaged dump truck overturned near the tracks. A passenger train was also stopped nearby as first responders worked the scene.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue confirmed that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, and another individual was evaluated for injuries by paramedics.

The City of Palm Beach Gardens stated that while westbound lanes remain open, eastbound traffic is being rerouted, and drivers are urged to seek alternate routes until the roadway reopens.

Photos shared by witnesses and obtained by CBS12 News show a dump truck crumpled beside the railroad tracks, surrounded by debris and emergency vehicles. While investigators have not yet confirmed how the collision occurred, initial reports suggest a vehicle-train collision involving the dump truck at the crossing.

The exact cause of the crash — including whether crossing arms, warning lights, or train signals were functioning at the time — remains under investigation.

The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department is working alongside the West Palm Beach Police Department and PBCFR to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the deadly crash.

Railroad crossings are among the most dangerous intersections on Florida roads, particularly when drivers or train operators fail to exercise proper caution. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), more than 2,000 railroad crossing accidents occur nationwide each year, with a significant portion resulting in fatalities.

Common causes of railroad crossing collisions include:

• Drivers attempting to beat a train before the gates close
• Malfunctioning warning signals or gates
• Obstructed visibility near the tracks
• Train operator negligence or failure to sound the horn
• Mechanical failure or improper roadway maintenance

When a fatal crash occurs at a railroad crossing, multiple parties may share legal responsibility, including:

• The railroad company, if warning devices were not working or the train operator was negligent
• The municipality or state, if the crossing was poorly maintained or lacked adequate signage
• The vehicle’s operator, if reckless driving or distracted behavior contributed to the collision

Determining fault requires a thorough accident reconstruction and review of train signal logs, black box data, and surveillance footage from nearby cameras.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Crash

For the family of the victim, this tragedy raises urgent questions about accountability and justice. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26), surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support or services
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death

If the crash involved negligence by a railroad company, equipment manufacturer, or another driver, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed to hold those parties legally and financially accountable.

Because train and commercial vehicle accidents involve complex state and federal regulations, families are strongly encouraged to seek representation from an attorney experienced in catastrophic transportation cases.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented victims and families throughout Florida in cases involving:

• Railroad crossing collisions
• Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
• Catastrophic highway and intersection accidents
• Wrongful death and fatal negligence claims

We conduct independent investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and pursue maximum compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to corporate or driver negligence.

Our firm’s approach is personalized — we intentionally handle a limited number of cases so we can devote full attention and resources to each client.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

If your loved one was killed in a railroad or commercial vehicle accident in Palm Beach County or anywhere in Florida, you deserve answers and justice.

The attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm have the experience and determination to investigate complex cases, uncover the truth, and hold negligent parties accountable.

📞 Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we win, and we cover all case expenses up front.