Train Accident Leaves at Least 20 Passengers Injured
Posted on October 2, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A disastrous accident happened on Monday afternoon, October 1. A normal Monday afternoon in Central Valley California turned out to be tragic when a big rig driver did not yield to the train and crashed into the train. At least 20 passengers received minor to moderate personal injuries as a result of the collision. The accident happened in south Hanford, a farming town.
The tractor-trailer was carrying cotton trash and ran into the train. After the impact, the train continued to travel for about 600 feet until it hit a switchback and then derailed. Police officers still have not determined how fast the train or the truck was going. However, an average speed of an Amtrak train averages between 70 to 80 mph. It is predicted that the truck was traveling around the speeds of 55 mph. Two passenger cars went off the tracks.
Metal pieces could be seen from the truck inside the train. The train was also covered in cotton seeds, debris left from the cotton trash the tractor was carrying.
Luckily, no serious injuries were inflicted on any of the train passengers. Most of the injuries were bumps, bruises, scrapes, and a few broken bones. Eight of the passengers were taken to Adventist Medical Center in Hanford and five more were expected to arrive later. Four passengers were taken to a nearby Adventist Medical Center in Selma. Seven people were taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
The truck driver suffered only from minor injuries. Investigators are still finding out whether the accident was caused from negligent driving or from a malfunctioning crossing arm.
The train was travelling from Oakland over to Bakersfield. It had four rail cars and a locomotive.
Witnesses said that the aftermath of the accident looked chaotic. Ambulances, police cars, and passengers surrounded the derailed train. Uninjured passengers were taken to an auditorium in Hanford then boarded into another train heading towards their destination. All trains were briefly halted after the incident.
A second train accident happened around 4 p.m. on Monday, just 17 miles away. This accident involved a freight train and a tractor-trailer. However, this big rig driver received serious personal injuries. The collision happened on Fourth and Grangeville Avenue.
If you have been involved in a train or truck accident, call an injury lawyer today. You are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have received. To learn more information, click here.
