One person injured after crash involving a JTA bus, train in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A crash involving a Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus and a train closed a local intersection Monday.

STORY: JTA considering route changes after train crashes into bus 

A JTA spokesperson said the crash happened at Roosevelt Boulevard and McDuff Avenue around 6:40 a.m. Monday morning.

“The JTA is committed to providing safe and reliable public transportation for our customers, no matter where their journey takes them. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured Monday morning. As our internal investigation continues, the bus operator involved has been placed on 'hold off' status without pay. Through that investigation, we will determine whether the operator followed protocols outlined in the Bus Operator’s Rule Book, and whether any disciplinary action is necessary," David Cawton II, a JTA spokesperson, said.

“While JTA buses routinely make safe trips across railroad tracks, more than 1,200 times each weekday, we are undertaking a complete review of how JTA buses approach and cross these intersections. We also are reevaluating this particular crossing, which presents a unique set of circumstances, not only for the JTA, but for other large vehicles,” added Cawton III.

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Seven or more passengers were onboard the bus at the time of the crash, JTA said.

The bus driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

It was a scary moment for the passengers on the bus.

Action News Jax reporter Elizabeth Pace spoke to passengers who said they were screaming for the JTA bus driver to back up as the driver allegedly tried to beat the the train.

JTA has not confirmed that information.

The caution arm was coming down and the lights were flashing at the time, they said.

JTA says the passengers were not injured.

The bus driver has been placed on a hold status without pay until the investigation is finished.

Amtrak sent the following statement to Action News Jax:

An Amtrak train came into contact with a vehicle today at around 6:40 a.m.  The incident happened about six miles south of the Jacksonville station. At the time of the incident, 466 customers were on the train. There are no reported injuries to customers or crew members onboard the train. The train originated in Lorton, Va. The train resumed service at around 8:49 a.m. The train was heading to its final destination in Sanford, Fla.

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