PLANT CITY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has shared a heartbreaking update on the investigation into a fatal train versus vehicle collision. The driver involved in the accident has tragically succumbed to his injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to six.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his plea for the community to keep the affected family, their loved ones, and the first responders in their thoughts during this difficult time. The loss suffered is immeasurable, and Sheriff Chronister and the entire Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office extend their prayers for peace and comfort to all those affected.
On the evening of September 23, 2023, just before 7 p.m., Jose Guadalupe Hernandez was behind the wheel of his 2020 Cadillac Escalade, traveling southbound on Jim Lefler Circle from US Highway 92. They were approaching a railroad crossing that was marked with both a stop sign and a railroad crossing sign.
Inside the Escalade, there were six additional passengers, including Hernandez’s wife, two juvenile children, an adult child, and two friends of the children.
For reasons that remain unknown and undetermined, the driver proceeded to cross the railroad tracks slowly and directly into the path of an oncoming train. As the vehicle crossed, it rotated and rolled to a stop, leading to the ejection of five passengers from the Escalade, all of whom tragically lost their lives at the scene.
The deceased individuals are as follows:
- Driver: Jose G. Hernandez, aged 52.
- Rear Passenger: Enedelia Hernandez, aged 50.
- Rear Passenger: Jakub A. Lopez, aged 17.
- Rear Passenger: Alyssa Hernandez, aged 17.
- Rear Passenger: Anaelia Hernandez, aged 22.
- Rear Passenger: Julian Hernandez, aged 9.
Hernandez, along with the front right passenger, were transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital in critical condition.
The Victim Specialist Unit responded promptly to offer assistance and provide vital information and resources to the families of the victims. Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized their commitment to supporting those in need during this time of despair and senseless tragedy. They aim to ease the unimaginable burden carried by those impacted by this devastating loss, offering compassion and the highest level of professionalism as they navigate through this unspeakable ordeal.