Train smashes truck on tracks

A northbound Amtrak train sideswiped a large truck that was parked next to the tracks west of Grimes Canyon Road Tuesday evening.

The accident, which occurred at 9:25 p.m. didn't cause any injuries. The driver of the truck was not at the scene when authorities arrived.

The big rig was apparently parked too close to the tracks, said California Highway Patrol Officer Brandon Mumme.

The CHP is investigating the matter and they don't know why the vehicle was left alongside the tracks that evening. They're still trying to determine who was driving the truck before the accident occurred, Mumme said.

The train originated from San Diego, heading to Santa Barbara and Goleta. It carried about 150 passengers, including a group of UC San Diego students who were evacuated as a result of the large fires which have been burning in San Diego County since Monday.

About 100 passengers were picked up by buses which were provided by Amtrak for the remainder of their trip.

The rest of the people on the train were picked up by friends and family, said Marc Magliari, spokesperson for Amtrak.

The locomotive sustained some damage and it was returned to Los Angeles for repairs. The railroad tracks didn't sustain any damage, Magliari said.

"These things are always avoidable if people take proper care around railroad tracks," said Magliari.

- Sylvie Belmond