In an agricultural region of Moorpark, a semitruck struck a Metrolink train Wednesday afternoon, killing the truck driver and sending one of the passengers to the hospital, according to officials.
According to a Metrolink representative, at 2:15 p.m., Metrolink train 118 collided with a vehicle and trailer at a crossing on private farmland close to the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Montair Drive. According to the spokeswoman, one of the eleven passengers on the train was sent to a nearby hospital for treatment in an unidentified condition, while the truck driver was declared dead at the site.
The crash caused significant damage to the truck. According to Fire Department spokesperson Andy VanSciver, a portion of the car was pushed a third of a mile down the track. After the crash, the engine and all five train cars stayed upright on the tracks.
As of right now, the accident’s cause remains unknown. According to VanSciver, stop signs and signs instructing drivers to look both ways are commonly used to designate train crossings on agricultural terrain in Ventura County.
Due to the collision, the regular Metrolink service to Ventura East Station was only running as far as Moorpark. On Wednesday afternoon, Metrolink was trying to give impacted customers Uber vouchers and alternate modes of transportation. If they need help, they can phone their customer hotline at (800) 371-5465.
