A train carrying more than 200 passengers and crew members derailed in California after colliding with a truck on the tracks. Fifteen persons were hurt.
According to Captain Brian McGrath of the Ventura County Fire Department, an Amtrak train impacted a truck near Moorpark on Wednesday, causing three of its seven carriages to derail.
The fire service reported that 15 individuals had been sent to hospitals shortly after 3 p.m. local time.
The driver of the truck was taken to a trauma center, according to the fire department, and 14 others suffered minor injuries.
A total of 186 passengers were on board and 13 others were Amtrak crew members.
‘Passengers continue to be evaluated,’ wrote the fire department around 1.30pm local time. ‘All trains have been searched with all occupants out and no passengers requiring extrication.’
It is believed that the truck driver managed to get out of the vehicle before the train struck it, McGrath said.
A small fire was extinguished by arriving firefighters.
The obliterated truck remained on the tracks after the crash, with some of its pieces lying next to the derailed cars. The cars that went off the tracks were still upright next to an orchard.
Most of the passengers evacuated the train on their own or with help from emergency responders.
The train was heading from Los Angeles to Seattle when ‘it struck a water truck obstructing the tracks’ at 11.15am, stated Amtrak.
‘Amtrak is working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements.’
Footage from the scene showed people with their luggage standing around as first responders addressed the situation.
A reunification center for families was set up at 799 Moorpark Avenue.
The company and local authorities are conducting an investigation into the crash.
Moorpark is about 50 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Major traffic delays were expected throughout the city.