Big Rig Driver Allegedly Tries to Beat Train; 12 Cars Derail

SALINAS — An Amtrak passenger train hit a tractor-trailer and derailed near here Thursday after the big rig driver allegedly tried to beat the train across the tracks.

Fourteen people reported minor injuries and 11 of them were hospitalized for observation, said Amtrak spokeswoman Jennifer McMahon. Six had been released Thursday night. The three who were not hospitalized were crew members, two of whom suffered only cuts and bruises, she said.

Twelve of the 14 cars on the double-decker train skidded off the tracks after the front engine hit the tractor-trailer just south of Salinas, according to the California Highway Patrol.

No rail cars tipped over, but part of the train was on the shoulder of southbound U.S. 101. All lanes were closed.

The Californian newspaper of Salinas reported that the driver, Gurbex Singh of Valley Pallet Recyclers in Salinas, said he was at a stop sign and tried to beat the train across the tracks.

He failed, and the train struck the back of the rig, which was filled with wooden pallets. There are no crossing gates at the intersection where the accident occurred.

Authorities said the train was northbound and carrying about 200 people when it hit the truck about 6 p.m.

Witnesses said the trailer was demolished and pallets were scattered across the area.

The cab of the truck, which was headed for Modesto, was not damaged.

The driver was not injured.