OXNARD (KMJ) — More than 50 people have been injured after five rail cars derailed this morning – on a commuter service in Oxnard.
The train crashed into a big rig on the tracks around 5.45am – on the service between Ventura and Los Angeles.
Fire crews say the big rig was on the tracks – but they don't know why it was there. They add that the driver tried to run away – but he was later found and arrested.
“The conductor of the train noticed the car early and the flashing lights and he was able to establish the emergency protocol. So it sounds like they anticipated the crash a far distance out,” says Fire Chief Sergio Martinez.
Those at the scene say the train burst into flames when the crash happened – and at least one train car was said to be fully engulfed by flames.
“The extent of the injuries ranged from significant head trauma and extremity trauma to neck and back injuries and generally normal trauma you would think from being thrown around,” said Steve Carroll of Ventura County Medical Services.
28 people were taken to the hospital – and a further 23 others didn't require medical transport.
However – there were no deaths reported in the crash.
