The accident happened in Plant City, which is located about halfway between Brandon and Lakeland, Florida. According to local sheriff Chad Chronister, the driver of the SUV drove into the crossing without looking. The railroad crossing in question is only marked by a stop sign instead of crossing arms.
The driver of the train sounded the horn and switched on his signal lights to warn the car driver, but was unable to avoid a collision. The SUV was catapulted away.
Five of the seven occupants were thrown from the vehicle and died. Two passengers were taken to hospital with serious injuries.