Teenager struck by SunRail train in Orange County, firefighters say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A teenager was struck by a SunRail train Thursday afternoon in the Southchase neighborhood, Orange County Fire Rescue said.

Firefighters said they were called shortly after 5:30 p.m. to Long Stem Court near South Orange Avenue and Town Center Boulevard after the teenager was struck.

Officials said the victim was flown to Orlando Regional Medical Center under a trauma alert status, but they didn't specify his condition.

David Pabon, who said he is a friend of the victim, told Channel 9 that he and the victim had been playing basketball with others before the crash.

"We were just playing ball in Greenpointe, and we were going to leave, so I'm guessing he was just going to go home," he said. "We took our different ways, because we all have different ways of going home."

Pabon said people sometimes cross the tracks as a shortcut.

He said the victim, who is a Cypress Creek High School student, was badly injured and had trouble breathing.

"The train -- it's just too loud," Pabon said. "How do you not hear that?"

The Florida Department of Transportation said two SunRail trains were canceled and three other trains were delayed.

An FDOT spokesman said delays were expected through Thursday evening.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group