Union seeks federal probe after smoke filled two Brightline cars on Miami to Orlando train
Incident reported on late-evening south Florida segment of Miami–Orlando route
A labor union representing onboard service employees on Brightline has called for a federal investigation after smoke entered two passenger cars on a Miami-to-Orlando trip on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) said the incident involved a 10-car train that departed Miami at 7:20 p.m. and experienced smoke in the second-to-last car before the first scheduled stop at Aventura.
TWU said crew members moved passengers out of the affected cars and into other parts of the train. The union also said the train continued north with station stops, including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, after additional Brightline personnel arrived to check the train.
Crew medical complaints and arrival delay in Orlando
TWU said three onboard attendants later sought hospital care for symptoms including headaches and nausea. The union said the train arrived in Orlando at 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14—about two hours behind schedule.
Brightline stated the event was an isolated instance that had been addressed. The company said passengers were relocated for comfort due to an odor associated with brakes being applied, and said safety for employees and guests is a top priority.
Union asks for federal review; oversight questions raised
TWU said it is filing an incident report with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and contends the train should have been removed from service once smoke was reported coming from beneath the train. The union’s request places renewed attention on how rail operators assess in-service mechanical odors or smoke conditions, how decisions are made about continuing service, and what thresholds trigger equipment removal or additional inspections.
The union has framed the continued operation of the train as a safety issue for both passengers and onboard crew.
Background: onboard workforce and recent corporate leadership changes
Brightline operates intercity passenger rail service in Florida, including the Miami–Orlando corridor. The onboard attendants and lead attendants on that corridor voted in early 2025 to unionize with TWU, forming the first union represented group among Brightline’s Florida workforce.
The incident also comes weeks after Brightline announced executive leadership changes effective in January 2026, including the appointment of Nicolas Petrovic as chief executive officer of Brightline Holdings and a change in chief financial officer.
What remains unresolved
The specific mechanical source of the smoke or odor affecting the two cars.
Whether the condition met any regulatory or company criteria requiring the train to be taken out of service.
Any subsequent findings tied to the union’s incident report and any potential federal review.
Brightline and TWU have offered differing characterizations of the event’s severity, and any formal determination would depend on investigative findings, inspection records, and applicable safety standards.