The enthusiasm with which a Spanish family traveled to a 15th birthday party this weekend ended violently and in the blink of an eye.

The traffic tragedy took place in Florida, United States.

There were four adults and three minors in a van. Six people were killed on the night of Saturday, September 23, 2023, when the family car was hit by a freight train, Univisión reports.

When crossed train tracks in Plant City, Hillsborough County, Floridathe tragic accident occurred.

The unit, a Cadillac Escalade, was driven by José Guadalupe Hernández, 52 years old.

“For unknown and undetermined reasons “The operator slowly crossed the railroad tracks as it approached,” the sheriff’s office told reporters in a statement.

Along with Hernández at the 15th birthday party were “his wife, two minor children, an adult daughter, a family friend and his adult daughter’s boyfriend.”

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The brutal impact of the train

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described the painful scene of the brutal impact, likening the Cadillac Escalade to being left “like a crushed soda can.”

Additionally, Chronister reported that “members of his department were shocked by what was seen at the scene.”

The five passengers in the back rows were thrown from the van. The bodies were on the ground, authorities said.

I continue to ask our community to keep this family, their loved ones and first responders in our thoughts.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister

A 22-year-old young man survived the unfortunate event. Univisión added that some aunts are asking for help to cover medical costs.

“Hillsborough County lost a family today and our hearts are broken,” the sheriff said sadly.

Why the truck was moving slowly as the freight train approached is unknown and that is an important piece of information.

Published in Clarín, the police chief emphasized that the site, “although it is not very busy, contains all the associated warning messages.”

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A witness to the accident speaks

Those southern media also added: “A witness who was next to the tracks when the accident occurred said he honked the horn to warn them that the train was coming, but there was still no case.”

The operator, like a witness who witnessed the tragedy from his vehicle, sounded the horn to warn the operator, but to no avail, Univision also reported.

However, the version given by Noticias Telemundo is opposite. They said they crossed to go to Rancho Los Magueyes, but the train overtook them.

The area where the family tragedy occurred, NCR News published, is not very busy and has a stop sign asking passersby to stop and look both ways before crossing.

In addition to José Hernández, Julián Hernández, aged 9, died during the event; Jakub López, 17 years old; Alyssa Hernandez, 17 years old; Anaelia Hernández, 22 years old and Enedelia Hernández, 50 years old. (JO)