TRAIN ACCIDENT: Truck Driver Dies after driving through Amtrak crossing

March 21, 2011

Red Bluff - A truck driver was killed after attempting to beat an Amtrak train over the crossing on Tyler Road on Monday.

According to reports, the big rig driver was traversing southbound on Highway 99W when it made a sudden left turn on Tyler Road. He drove through the crossing gate and got hit by an oncoming Amtrak train at 6:20 a.m.

The train dragged the truck a few meters and caused it to burst into flames. The big rig driver was pronounced dead at the accident scene, reports said.

Tehama police officers said that the Amtrak train was carrying 356 passengers and was en route from Seattle to Sacramento. No one on board was hurt.

Amtrak representative commented that the train was able to make a stop in Portland before it crashed onto the big rig. Authorities resume Amtrak operations after two hours, but continued its investigation on the cause of accident.