Metrolink Passenger Train Derails After Crash with Utility Truck Near Rice Ave and 5th St Northwest of Los Angeles


An investigator tells the associated press the commuter train accident northwest of Los Angeles occurred when a truck became stuck on the tracks after the driver turned onto the crossing.

Oxnard, California firefighters responded about 6 a.m. PT to a Metrolink train-utility truck collision involving the vehicle on the Ventura County Line tracks. Several passenger cars were on their sides near 5th Street and Rice Avenue 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The utility truck, was on fire after the crash.

The truck was driving southbound on Rice Avenue but rather than turning westbound onto 5th Street, the truck was turned onto the railroad tracks. The driver fled the scene, and was found uninjured by police.


Oxnard train-truck crash: interview with Oxnard Fire Department Battalion Chief Sergio Martinez and Steve Carroll of the Ventura County EMS.

Four patients were listed in critical condition. The victims had injuries that ranged from significant head trauma and extremity trauma to neck and back injuries. A total of 28 patients were transported, and 23 people were medical refusals at the scene that did not complain of significant injuries.


Dangers lurk at railroad-highway crossings; a train hits a person or vehicle every 3 hours in the united states.

 WHICH WAY TO RUN … 

Experts recommend drivers be prepared to run from their vehicle if their vehicle is stuck or stalled on the train tracks. Do you know the best direction to run from the oncoming train? Experts say it is best to run at a 45-degree angle from the railroad tracks toward the direction of the oncoming train. This patch of evacuation is the best way to avoid being hit by debris that will fly sideways off the track. If you run with the direction of the train, you are more likely to be hit by flying debris.

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