Brightline Crash Sends Car Debris Flying Into Pompano City Hall

By Kristen Hernandez 

Villij News Writer 

Pompano Beach, FL – Less than 45 minutes after a joint city commission/CRA meeting ended at Pompano Beach City Hall on Tuesday, June 17, a Brightline train collided with a car, breaking it in half, leaving the driver of the vehicle with serious injuries.  

A large piece of the wreckage slammed into the commission chamber window at City Hall, shattering one side of the window and leaving shards of broken glass along the walkway. The other half of the car landed upside down with the driver still inside.  

 “The whole engine block came out of the car and struck the City Commission building and broke a window,” said Sandra King, Public Information Officer for the City of Pompano Beach. 

First responders worked swiftly to tend to the wounded driver, who has not yet been identified. The person was rushed to Broward Health North Hospital in critical condition.  

“I am very appreciative of our first responders,” said Vice Mayor Alison Fournier. “Thank you for what you do.” 

The joint meeting adjourned shortly after 3 p.m., and the first 911 call was reported at 3:50 p.m. The commission chamber was clear of city officials and attending residents when the accident happened. 

“Thankfully, city staff and CRA attendees are all safe,” said city commissioner Darlene Smith. 

Traffic was shut down along West Atlantic Boulevard and Dixie Highway for hours, causing severe traffic jams that were diverted by officers. 

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.