Amtrak train derails in Southern California, injuring passengers

An Amtrak train carrying almost 200 passengers derailed on Wednesday in Southern California after it struck a water truck, leaving several injured, authorities said. 

The Amtrak train was traveling through the city of Moorpark on its way from Los Angeles to Seattle when the train collided with a Ventura County Public Works truck that was “obstructing the tracks” at around 11:15 a.m., Amtrak said in a statement. 

The collision caused three of the train’s seven cars to derail due to the collision, said Ventura County Fire Department Captain Brian McGrath. 

Most of the trains were able to get out of the train cars on their own before first responders arrived at the scene, McGrath said. Helicopter footage of the scene later showed first responders assisting several passengers a short distance away from the wreck.

“There were approximately 198 passengers and 13 crew onboard who were evacuated from the train, with no reports of serious injuries,” the statement from Amtrak said. 

Fourteen people onboard the train were taken to local hospitals to be treated for minor injuries. The driver of the water truck was critically injured and transported to a trauma center with a head injury. 

“All of a sudden: Smack!” passenger Mindy Faver told the Ventura County Star about her experience onboard the train. “It could have been a lot worse.”

The collision prompted Amtrak to suspend services between Ventura and Los Angeles for the time being. 

It is still unclear what the water truck was on doing on the tracks ahead of the collision. The Moorpark Police Department and fire officials are investigating the incident. 

“Amtrak is working with customers to make alternate travel arrangements. Amtrak, in coordination with local authorities, is conducting a full investigation.”