MOORPARK, Calif. — An Amtrak train carrying nearly 200 passengers bound for Seattle struck a truck and derailed on Wednesday in southern California but there were no major injuries, authorities said.
Three of the train’s seven cars went off the tracks following the collision in Moorpark, said Ventura County Fire Department Captain Brian McGrath.
Parts of the demolished truck remained on the tracks after the crash, while other parts lay near the derailed train cars. The derailed train cars remained upright on tracks adjacent to an orchard and bare sections of land.
Most of the passengers were able to get off the train cars on their own or with the aid of first responders, McGrath said.
TV news helicopters showed numerous people, many carrying luggage, milling about in a field as firefighters worked the scene.
"I was really terrified and I didn’t think I was gonna live," one passenger told NBC 4 Los Angeles.
This specific train would have been scheduled to arrive at King Street Station on Thursday night, but now those passengers are stuck in Moorpark. Amtrak told KING 5 they are working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements. They did not specify whether they would be fronting the cost.
"We do know the train was en route to Seattle, and it was going to make a stop in Oxnard from here," said Wendell Campbell, a spokesperson for Ventura County Sheriff’s office.
The truck hit by the train appeared to be a Ventura County Public Works truck. Amtrak said it was obstructing the tracks.
"We were just cruising along and all of a sudden there was a big bang, and um, this car started teetering kind of up and down and side-to-side. I was in car 11 and it kind of fell off the tracks to the left," another passenger told NBC 4 Los Angeles.
Authorities said it seems the truck’s driver got out of the vehicle before the crash, however, they still suffered critical injuries.
Fifteen people total were rushed to the hospital, including the driver, but others had minor injuries as well.
"What pain are you feeling right now?" an NBC 4 Los Angeles reporter asked.
"My neck and lower back," answered a passenger. "You don’t realize you’re hurting until the adrenaline wears off some, and you start thinking, 'This doesn’t feel right.'"
KING 5 spoke with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing victims of derailed trains.
"Oftentimes injuries turn into something chronic," said Chris Davis of Davis Law Group. "Sometimes the injuries don’t appear serious until weeks or months later.”
As authorities investigate how the collision happened, Davis said he wouldn’t be surprised if lawsuits arise.
"Just because it’s a vehicle that caused the derailment, does not mean Amtrak is blameless," said Davis.
Passengers, in the meantime, are grateful the train cars tip over, horizontally, off the tracks.
"I’m just happy that we’re all alive," said a passenger.
“There were approximately 198 passengers and 13 crew onboard who were evacuated from the train, with no reports of serious injuries,” the statement said. “Amtrak is working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements. Amtrak, in coordination with local authorities, is conducting a full investigation.”
Crews were able to quickly douse a small fire, McGrath said.
Moorpark is a city of some 35,000 people located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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