LAKELAND, FL – A fatal crash involving a CSX train and a vehicle occurred Thursday evening in Lakeland, Florida, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit.
The incident took place at approximately 6:31 p.m. on March 19, 2026, near Kathleen Tire and Auto on Kathleen Road.
A 2023 Mack truck pulling a Montoe dump trailer was traveling south on Kathleen Road and attempting to turn into the business as a northbound train approached. Evidence and witness statements indicate the driver accelerated in an effort to cross the tracks ahead of the train.
The truck reached about halfway across the tracks before being struck by the train. The impact separated the trailer from the cab. The cab was thrown northwest and rolled several times, while the trailer continued a short distance north before coming to rest on the opposite side of the train.
The driver, 50-year-old Orlando Lugo of Tampa, was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected. No airbags deployed.
No other injuries were reported. The PCSO continues to investigate the crash.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
