11-Year-Old Girl Wearing Headphones Walks Into Path Of Train

HAINES CITY, FL - A 11-year-old girl was killed when she attempted to cross railroad tracks and was hit by an Amtrak passenger train about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Yazmin White of Haines City was wearing headphones and looking down at her phone as the train approached, the conductor told Polk County Sheriff's detectives. The girl did not make any indication that she was aware the train was approaching.

Preliminary information indicates the girl was leaving Carmelita's Food Mart, 2670 Hwy 1792 in Haines City, walking through the woods, and attempted to cross directly over the railroad tracks. The Amtrak passenger train, with 12 passenger cars and two engines, was traveling southbound towards Winter Haven at approximately 68 mph, when the conductor observed a female attempting to cross the railroad tracks.

The conductor told detectives he blew the horn repeatedly while also applying the brakes. The accident occurred at the intersection at Hwy 1792 and Bates Road in unincorporated Haines City.

Yazmin White lived off of Hammerstone Avenue in Haines City. She was declared dead at the scene. No charges are pending.

"We send our deepest condolences to Yazmin's family. This is a tragedy a parent or family should never have to go through. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

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