A 20-year-old man was killed in a train vs vehicle accident Saturday night in Polk County. 

  • 20-year-old killed after train hits, pushes car 50 ft down tracks
  • Elijah Sample pronounced dead on scene 

The crash occurred around 8 p.m. Saturday on Dairy Road at Old Lake Alfred Road in un-incorporated Auburndale. 

Polk County Sheriff's Office said Elijah Sample was driving his white Dodge Avenger westbound on Old Lake Alfred Road and turned left onto Dairy Road when the Amtrack train was crossing. 

Witnesses said the railroad crossing arms were down and the warning lights were functioning when Sample crossed. 

Investigators said the Dodge Avenger was struck by train and pushed down the tracks 50 feet until it became dislodged from the front of the train. The car rolled and came to a rest nearly 100 feet away from the point of impact. 

Officials said the two engine and 12 car train was traveling at 60 mph. 

Dairy Road was closed in both directions for nearly four hours during the investigation.