Oncoming Train Kills Three Teenagers in Melbourne, Fla., as They Walked Across Trestle

Three teenagers fatally struck by southbound train in Melbourne, Fla., as they walked across trestle. Fourth teen escapes injury.

SHOCK: Three females, thought to be teenagers, were fatally struck by a southbound train in Melbourne, Fla., early Saturday night as they walked across a trestle that spanned the Crane Creek. The police have not released their names and ages because they are in the process of notifying the next of kin. According to Florida Today, a fourth juvenile was walking with the girls, was ahead of the group when the train struck. He reportedly called out to his friends to run from the oncoming train, but they were unable to get out of the way in time. The victims were reportedly pronounced dead at the scene -- just off Prospect Avenue.

This is a very unfortunate accident and a real tragedy that three young lives were taken away, but it is important to note that it is against the law to trespass on the railroad tracks. The Florida East Coast Railway, which operates 351 miles of mainline track along the east coast of Florida, has "no trespassing" signs posted in clear view, warning pedestrians to stay off the tracks. Still, people ignore these warnings until something terrible occurs. The trestle is estimated to be about 20-30 feet over water. I know that some people will blame the train operator, but the reality is these kids had no business walking on railroad tracks and the trestle. This is a very painful lesson that you must follow instructions -- no trespassing means just that.