Circus Train Wreck Leaves 2 Dead, 14 Injured
- Share via
LAKELAND, Fla. — A train carrying circus performers and animals derailed Thursday at a crossing, killing two people and injuring 14 others, authorities said.
Sixteen cars jumped the tracks shortly after 9 a.m. as the 53-car train traveled across Florida from St. Petersburg to Orlando, where the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus was to open tonight.
“The show always goes on. I suspect we will be late, but the show always goes on,” said David Cohen, the circus manager and a passenger on the train.
Theodore Svertesky, 39, an elephant trainer, was killed in a housing car, Polk County Sheriff’s Maj. Grady Judd said.
Ceslee Conkling, 28, who performed as a clown, was found dead in another car.
Fourteen circus workers were treated at a hospital and released. None of the 25 children on board was hurt.
Cars that jumped the tracks carried staff, performers and equipment, said circus spokesman Rodney Huey.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
John Orr was a renowned fire investigator who was also a prolific arsonist, and whose thinly veiled novel helped to convict him. In this episode we hear from the fire captain who first suspected him—and from Orr himself.
Madison McGhee is joined by legendary Dateline host Josh Mankiewicz and esteemed L.A. Times Reporter Richard Winton as the three of them dive into all-things Menendez Brothers, the good, the bad, and the still unknown.
NPR climate editor Sadie Babits talks about why the media has long overlooked the climate crisis, and how that’s starting to change.
