Chaos ensued in Camarillo Tuesday when a northbound Amtrak train crashed into a vehicle, critically injuring at least one person. The harrowing incident took place at a rail crossing where Lewis Road meets Las Posas and Upland, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
Despite the severity of the crash, Amtrak Surfliner 765 remained on its tracks and managed to avoid derailment. While no passengers aboard the train were injured, fire crews had to extricate a victim from the mangled vehicle, who was swiftly taken to a hospital in critical condition. According to an X post from the Ventura County Fire Department, the collision did not result in any injuries among those on the train.
Ventura County firefighters are on scene of a train versus a vehicle at Intersection of Lewis Road where Las Posas and Upland cross in the city of Camarillo. Amtrak Surfliner 765 headed northbound struck a vehicle in the intersection. No injuries reported on the train. The train… pic.twitter.com/4mYRie9WiG
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) January 2, 2024
First responders from Ventura County Firefighters swiftly arrived on the scene to manage the aftermath of the collision and provide aid to the injured party. The local sheriff's office and other officials were also present to offer assistance and to begin an inquiry into the catastrophic event.
The situation following the crash disrupted the usually tranquil city of Camarillo as emergency crews worked to resolve the scene. In a statement given to FOXLA, officials relayed that the train did not suffer any significant damages that would impede its departure once cleared. The identity of the injured individual has yet to be released, and details surrounding the circumstances of the collision remain limited at this time.
Authorities are urging drivers to use caution at train intersections and reminding the public of the potential dangers of these crossings.
