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A train struck a pedestrian who walked into its path on Tuesday afternoon near the Walt Disney World Resort, and an investigation into the details surrounding the accident, which led to the pedestrian’s death, is ongoing.
Related: Brightline High-Speed Rail Project to Disney World Back On . . . Sort Of
Credit: SunRail
An Unimaginable Tragedy
A SunRail commuter train struck and killed a pedestrian on Tuesday afternoon in the downtown area of Orlando, according to an ongoing investigation into the accident by troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
According to a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers arrived at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon at the scene of the accident on the railroad tracks located adjacent to South Orange Avenue approaching Pine Street.
Credit: FHP/Canva
At the time of the accident, the SunRail commuter train was reportedly traveling southbound on the outer track adjacent to Orange Avenue. According to the Florida Highway Patrol officers, a pedestrian who had previously been sitting next to the tracks stood up and began walking eastward into the path of the train.
A 51-year-old Orlando resident was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident.
As law enforcement began their investigation into the accident, officers erected roadblocks in both directions of Pine Street, diverting traffic away from the area.
Pine Street, Downtown Orlando/Credit: Flickr/Steven Martin
Further details about the accident were not immediately available as the investigation into the accident is still underway.
More About Central Florida’s SunRail System
In January 2024, Universal Studios Orlando Resort announced a new partnership with SunRail that would greenlight the construction of a SunRail station at the Orange County Convention Center. The station would link the International Drive tourist area to Orlando International Airport.
ICYMI: Universal Orlando has revealed plans for a SunRail station at the Orange County Convention Center. The proposed station would link Orlando International Airport to the I-Drive tourist area https://t.co/N2SWCEzWn7 pic.twitter.com/phKfMCSX1O
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) January 6, 2023
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Is SunRail Coming to Disney World?
In late April 2024, Disney World first signaled its interest in having a SunRail station located within the property of the Walt Disney World Resort, which encompasses some 47 square miles in Central Florida.
Related: Disney’s Decision to Officially Change Walt Disney World’s Name Will Jeopardize Everything
Credit: Disney
According to the Orlando Business Journal, Disney said in a statement that the company was interested in having a discussion about having a rail station located at Disney Springs.
At the time, it was said that the so-called “Sunshine Corridor,” which is located between the Miami-based Brightline rail system and the Central Florida commuter rail system, could include various stops that included Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Orange County Convention Center, and South International Drive.
Credit: Disney
“We have long been open to discussions around the proposed SunRail expansion to Disney Springs and have been engaged with state and community leaders on the topic,” the statement read in part. “This is not to be confused with the agreement we previously had for a Brightline station that Brightline decided not to pursue.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all of those affected by this tragic accident.
Prayers for the one that loss their life, their family, and friends. This os not close to Disney. Universal, Sea World, Orange County Convention Center, and MCO AirPort are closer. Please, lets use those landmarks that are truly closer to where the incident took place.