On July 21, 2024, at approximately 5:50 AM, Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) was dispatched to a potential structure fire on Swiss Avenue. During their response, Engine 11 encountered wet road conditions, hydroplaned, lost control, and fell off the southbound Central Expressway (Interstate 345) bridge onto the DART rail tracks below.
Engine 18 immediately called a Mayday and requested a full Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) response to extricate the crew. Four DFR firefighters were transported to Baylor Dallas hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The accident also damaged a large highway sign, blocking all southbound lanes of Interstate 345 in the area. DART reported significant obstruction and impact to their overhead catenary system. The accident occurred at the Southeast Junction, where all four rail lines intersect, halting all train movement in downtown Dallas.
The DART team is undertaking complex repairs to restore the system's functionality. Bus shuttles are supporting rail riders, and passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with rail system maps to reach their destinations. DART aims to restore service to the Downtown Dallas Central Business District by Wednesday evening.
The impact of the crash caused major damage to DART’s Overhead Catenary System (OCS), leading to substantial delays expected through at least Wednesday, July 24. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.