Fatal Collision In Santa Maria
A man from Santa Maria lost his life after an Amtrak train collided with his tanker truck on Wednesday afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The victim was driving a 2020 Peterbilt tanker truck, which was transporting 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel northbound on Highway 1, just north of Brown Road, as reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Accident Description
At approximately 4:13 p.m., the driver made a right turn onto a dirt road leading to an agricultural field, where there was no controlled railroad crossing. The northbound Amtrak train struck the right side of the truck while it was crossing the tracks, causing the tanker to roll over and spill diesel fuel onto the road and into the adjacent field.
Injuries and Casualties
The truck driver sustained severe injuries and ultimately passed away at the hospital, according to the CHP.
Community Impact
The CHP released a statement expressing condolences, calling the incident a tragic reminder to exercise extreme caution in rural agricultural areas, especially near uncontrolled railroad crossings. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the tanker truck driver who sadly lost his life.”
Train Passengers
The train was carrying 260 passengers; three of them were taken to the hospital with minor injuries following the crash.
Road Closures and Travel Advisories
Highway 1 was closed from Brown Road to Highway 166 following the collision and remained closed until 1 a.m. Cleanup operations resumed on Thursday morning. The CHP advised that the closure could affect Amtrak services in the area, suggesting travelers check their itineraries. “This accident serves as a reminder to slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop for trains,” the release stated.
