Submitted by Fox First at Ten on October 7th
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) - A commuter train carrying more than 200 passengers struck a semi that was stalled on the tracks in northern Los Angeles County, leaving three people with minor injuries, authorities said.
The crash involving Metrolink Train No. 271 and the truck hauling automobiles occurred about 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the Newhall district Santa Clarita, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Dubin.
The semi driver was able to get out of the truck before the crash on Pine Street, just south of Newhall Avenue in Old Town Newhall.
Three of the train's 220 passengers had minor injuries and were treated at a hospital, Dubin said. No one else was hurt.
A Metrolink passenger told KHTS-AM in Santa Clarita that he didn't feel an impact, but the effect was as if the train's driver suddenly slammed on the brakes.
"It was just kind of a hard stop," the passenger said.
Officials weren't sure how fast the train was going, but said the truck spilled diesel fuel and its cab was heavily damaged. The train did not derail but remained at the scene.
The rail line provided buses for the passengers to continue their journeys.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
