Betty Cramer, 69, and Billy Jack Rollins, 73, both of Frostproof, FL are in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Medical Center after colliding with a CSX train this morning.
According to an article in the Lakeland Ledger, the crash occurred at approximately 1:47 a.m. on U.S. 98 near West Frostproof Road in Frostproof, FL. The CSX train was traveling northbound when Cramer, who was driving a 2002 Hyundai Elantra, struck the 24th train car. The impact caused three freight cars to derail. The Hyundai overturned and landed on its roof. Rollins was ejected from the vehicle and it is unknown whether they were wearing seatbelts. +
Authorities say the couple divorced in 1972 but reside together in Cramer's home in Frostproof, FL. Though the vehicle was traveling toward the couple's home, it remains unclear where they were headed at the time of the collision. The couple has five children together. Family members had no idea how the crash could have happened and commented that Crammer travels across very same track three to four times per day.
The CSX train travels from Lakeland to Sebring and back and services business along the route. One of the derailed cars was a tanker while the other two are "hopper" cars. The hoppers resemble boxcars and are used to carry nonhazardous granular materials like sand or fertilizer. Luckily, all three cars were empty at the time of the incident.
According to the Department of Transportation, the track utilizes approximately twenty seven trains per day. There are cross-arms and signals located at the crossing designed to notify drivers of the oncoming train. According to investigators, the crossing was operational at the time of the crash.
U.S. 98 was closed most of the morning and was reopened at about 11 a.m. after the tracks had been repaired. The accident remains under investigation.
As a personal injury attorney practicing in Polk County, Florida, I represent all victims of automobile accidents. In my experience, a collision such as this may require the hiring of a qualified expert to investigate the accident scene and determine whether all safety devices were fully operational at the time of the accident. It is important to hire a personal injury attorney immediately to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved in the event it is needed for a future claim.
