Train vs. Semi Collision On Highway 1 Near Guadalupe Results in Numerous Injuries, Fatality
Alissa Orozco
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) – A collision involving a train and semi truck occurred late Wednesday afternoon on Highway 1 near the intersection of Brown Road just south of Guadalupe.
Around 4:15pm, a 2020 Peterblit semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 1, making a right turn onto a dirt road leading to an agricultural field, and approached an uncontrolled railroad crossing. An Amtrak train also traveling northbound crashed into the right side of the truck as it made its way through the railroad crossing.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck says approximately 260 passengers were aboard the Amtrak train, with three being transported the hospital with minor injuries.
The vehicle driver was sent to the hospital with major injuries and later died from the severity of his injuries. All transported by two ambulances to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.
According to Safechuck, the semi truck spilled about 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel and is not actively leaking.
Highway 1 is open south of Guadalupe, but remains closed between Highway 166 and Brown Rd. as crews work on the area.
Several law enforcement and emergency agencies have responded to the incident, including California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, Amtrak Police, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Guadalupe Fire Department and the Santa Maria Fire Department.
At 7 p.m., CHP officers taped off a stretch of the highway close to the location where the crash happened so investigators could continue to work into the night.
California Highway Patrol recommends Amtrak travelers double-check their itineraries for any possible changes in the upcoming days.
Several truck parts of all sizes could be seen strewn across the roadway, as well as along the shoulder of the road on both sides of Highway 1.
“This is a tragic event and a reminder to all of us to exercise extreme caution when driving in agricultural rural areas, especially at uncontrolled railroad crossings. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the tanker truck driver which sadly lost his life,” stated CHP Thursday morning.
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