Crews continue to work to clear a stretch of track northwest of Los Angeles Thursday, a day after an Amtrak train partially derailed when it collided with a water truck.
The truck driver remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition following the crash Wednesday afternoon in the Ventura County community of Moorpark.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight train with nearly 200 people on board partially derailed on its way to Seattle with its next stop in Oxnard. Some 15 people on the train suffered minor injuries.
The investigation into the Amtrak train derailment in Moorpark continues.
It was not immediately clear how long roads will remain blocked about 50 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Metrolink will validate Amtrak tickets Thursday on its Ventura County line.
Details about why the Ventura County Public Works truck was on the tracks were not immediately available. Parts of the decimated truck, including the cab, were scattered at the crash site. The truck’s axle was pushed at least 100 feet by the train.
The collision occurred at 11:18 am near West Los Angeles Avenue and Montair Drive. None of the partially derailed train cars overturned.
Crews quickly put out a small fire under the train.
“There were approximately 198 passengers and 13 crew members on board who were evacuated from the train, with no reports of serious injuries,” Amtrak said in a statement.
“The train derailed as a result of the impact, but remained upright. Amtrak is working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements. Amtrak, in coordination with local authorities, is conducting a full investigation.”
A train accident in Moorpark caused an Amtrak train to derail, injuring 15 people.
“Suddenly, it flies forward,” a passenger told sister station NBCLA. “I felt a little bit of shaking. Really violent. I thought we were going off the rails. Then it stopped.”
Mindy Faver was sitting facing the back of the train after a trip with her mother, Shari Peterson.
“Suddenly: Smack!” Faver said, describing the impact.
At least three carriages derailed on impact. It is unknown if there are any injuries at this time.
Faver then saw what he later found out to be the tank from the water truck driving past his window.
Passengers who got off the train waited in a nearby field while authorities assessed the scene.
Families and friends seeking passenger information can call the information hotline at 805-465–6650.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station, NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.
