Teen Airlifted to Hospital After Train Collision in New Smyrna Beach

A 16-year-old girl suffered serious injuries Wednesday morning after being struck by a train near a railroad crossing in New Smyrna Beach, according to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.

Authorities have indicated that the incident appears to have been accidental, though the investigation remains ongoing.

What We Know About the Incident

According to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department, the incident occurred shortly before noon on July 22, 2026, near the railroad tracks at Eleanor Avenue.

Preliminary information released by investigators indicates:

• A 16-year-old girl was struck by a train.
• The collision occurred near the railroad tracks at Eleanor Avenue.
• The teen sustained serious injuries.
• She was airlifted to a medical facility in Orlando for treatment.

Police have not released the identity of the teenager or provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department continues to investigate the incident.

Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities have stated that the collision appears to have been accidental.

However, investigators have not released additional information regarding:

• How the teen came to be on or near the tracks.
• Whether warning devices were activated.
• The direction the train was traveling.
• The speed of the train.
• Whether any mechanical issues played a role.

As part of the investigation, authorities may review:

• Train event recorder data.
• Locomotive camera footage.
• Crossing signal operation.
• Witness statements.
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses or residences.
• Physical evidence at the scene.
• Communications between the train crew and dispatch.

A complete investigation will help determine the sequence of events and confirm what led to the collision.

Train Collisions Often Result in Severe Injuries

Incidents involving trains frequently result in catastrophic injuries because of the tremendous size, weight, and stopping distance of freight and passenger trains.

Even when train crews react immediately, trains generally require significant distances to come to a complete stop.

Investigators often examine factors such as:

• Crossing signal operation.
• Visibility.
• Pedestrian access to the tracks.
• Environmental conditions.
• Human factors.
• Compliance with railroad safety procedures.

Every railroad incident presents unique circumstances that require a thorough investigation before conclusions are reached.

Potential Legal Options Following a Railroad Accident

A preliminary investigation does not determine civil liability.

Although authorities currently believe this incident appears to have been accidental, additional evidence may be necessary to determine whether any negligence contributed to the collision.

Depending on the facts developed during the investigation, potentially responsible parties could include:

• A railroad company.
• A governmental entity responsible for roadway or crossing maintenance, where permitted under Florida law.
• Contractors responsible for crossing equipment.
• Other parties whose negligence contributed to the incident.

If negligence is ultimately found to have contributed to the injuries, the injured victim and her family may have the right to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses.
• Future medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Lost earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Every case is unique, and legal responsibility depends on the specific facts established during the investigation.

Preserving Evidence Is Critical

Evidence gathered immediately following a railroad collision can be essential in determining exactly what occurred.

Important evidence may include:

• Locomotive event recorder data.
• Forward-facing train camera footage.
• Railroad crossing signal records.
• Surveillance video.
• Witness statements.
• Police reports.
• Photographs of the scene.
• Accident reconstruction findings.

Prompt preservation of this evidence can help investigators accurately reconstruct the incident and determine whether any preventable factors contributed.

Investigation Continues

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department continues to investigate the train collision near Eleanor Avenue.

Additional information regarding the teen’s condition and the circumstances surrounding the incident may be released as investigators continue their review.

A serious railroad accident can have life-changing consequences for victims and their families. We hope the injured teenager receives the care she needs and makes a full recovery as authorities work to better understand how this tragic incident occurred.