Nowel Alfonso Obituary, Death – Authorities in West Palm Beach, Florida, have identified the driver who died in a collision between a dump truck and a train on Northlake Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon. The West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) confirmed that the deceased driver was 65-year-old Nowel Alfonso. According to police reports, the crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. on November 12 at the railroad crossing on Northlake Boulevard, just west of Beeline Highway.
Investigators say Alfonso’s dump truck collided with a northbound Amtrak passenger train at the crossing. Photographs from the scene showed significant damage to the truck near the tracks. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Alfonso was pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the incident.
The operator of the Amtrak train was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that no additional injuries were reported among passengers or crew aboard the train.
The crash caused all eastbound lanes of Northlake Boulevard to close, leading to significant traffic delays in the area. Westbound lanes remained open, though traffic was redirected around the closure until the roadway was cleared and reopened later that day.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department assisted WPBPD at the scene, helping manage traffic and coordinate emergency response efforts. Officials emphasized the importance of remaining alert near railroad crossings and urged drivers to exercise caution in these areas, especially when approaching active tracks.
Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the collision. This includes analyzing the crossing signals, train speed, vehicle positioning, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Police have stated that the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as the review progresses.
Residents and commuters in the area expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the dangers posed by railroad crossings and the importance of roadway safety. Officials reiterated that collisions at train crossings, while rare, can have severe consequences, and public awareness is critical for preventing future incidents.
Authorities also reminded the public that railroad crossings are considered high-risk zones where caution is necessary at all times. They emphasized that drivers should obey all posted signs, signals, and barriers to reduce the risk of accidents.
The West Palm Beach Police Department is working to ensure that all relevant information is collected and documented. Their goal is to provide clarity on the events leading up to the collision and offer guidance for future safety measures.
In addition to law enforcement investigations, emergency responders and traffic management teams evaluated the area to minimize disruptions and ensure safe passage for motorists once the roadway reopened. Local agencies continue to coordinate efforts to improve safety awareness in high-traffic zones near railroad crossings.
The collision has underscored the potential hazards that can occur at train crossings, prompting officials to remind the public of basic safety measures, such as waiting for trains to pass completely, avoiding distractions, and keeping a safe distance from tracks when signals are active.
While the investigation is ongoing, Alfonso’s family and loved ones are left to mourn the sudden loss. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the crash or who witnessed the incident to contact WPBPD to assist in the investigation.
