Southern California Amtrak Train Carrying 198 Passengers Derails after Collision with Truck

Authorities have reported a derailment incident involving an Amtrak train carrying approximately 200 passengers in Southern California. The train struck a county water truck, leading to its derailment on Wednesday, and critically injured the truck’s driver.

Ventura County Fire Department Captain Brian McGrath reported that the collision in Moorpark resulted in three out of seven train cars derailing. Following the incident, fourteen train passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The truck driver, with a severe head injury, was rushed to a trauma center, stated McGrath.

Remnants of the ruined Ventura County Public Works truck were found strewn around the derailed train cars. Initially, it was speculated that the driver may have exited the truck before the collision; however, McGrath later rectified that the actual pre-crash events are still unclear.

He clarified, “No one’s spoken to him yet, so the investigation into the entire situation is ongoing.”

The derailed cars were found upright on tracks bordering an orchard and empty parcels of land.

Mindy Faver, one of the passengers, was returning from Oregon after visiting family with her mother, Shari Peterson. She recounted the sudden collision, stating that the impact was abrupt and severe. Faver saw what she later recognized as the water truck’s tank roll past her window.

McGrath confirmed that the majority of the passengers were able to evacuate the train cars either independently or with the help of first responders. Aerial footage from TV news helicopters captured several passengers, many carrying luggage, in an open field as firefighters attended the scene.

Speaking to the Ventura County Star, Faver noted, “It could have been a lot worse.”

The Amtrak train, en route to Los Angeles from Seattle, hit the water truck that was obstructing the tracks around 11:15 a.m., according to an official Amtrak statement.

The statement further read, “The train had about 198 passengers and 13 crew members onboard who were safely evacuated, with no reports of serious injuries. Amtrak is assisting customers with alternate travel arrangements and, in conjunction with local authorities, is conducting a thorough investigation.”

A small fire that broke out following the accident was rapidly extinguished by crews, added McGrath.

Moorpark, the city where the incident took place, is home to around 35,000 residents and is approximately 50 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

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• Amtrak
• Ventura County Fire Department
• Ventura County Public Works
• Ventura County Star
• National Transportation Safety Board
• Federal Railroad Administration