[05-13-2022] Kern County, CA – One Dead, Several Injured in Collision Involving Amtrak Train and Pickup Along Santa Fe Way

According to the Kern County Fire officials, at least one person is dead after a train collided into a truck in Shafter Friday, May 5, 2022.

The collision occurred at 2 p.m. on the tracks along Santa Fe Way between Orange and Burbank streets.

The pickup truck burst into flames as it was dragged along the tracks several hundred feet before coming to a stop.

According to an Amtrak spokesperson, the passenger train was traveling southbound from Oakland to Bakersfield with 137 passengers on board.

According to Kern County Fire Department Capt. Andrew Freeborn, at least one person was dead in the pickup truck. At the time of the collision, it was unclear how many people were inside.

According to CHP reports, an off-duty Shafter police officer attempted to approach the truck to assist anyone inside but was unable to do so due to the extreme heat.

The Passengers were able to exit the train and gather in a cemetery until buses were able to transport them to the Bakersfield station.

According to Freeborn, one train passenger suffered minor injuries in the collision.

The train was in “push” mode, which meant the locomotive was at the back of the train. A portion of the train car that collided with the truck was damaged by smoke from the truck.

Fatal Train Accident Statistics

When it comes to city transportation, trains aren’t always the most cost-effective or efficient option. Injuries and deaths caused by travel are on the rise.

Trains have collided all over the United States. According to the Transportation Department, approximately 5,800 train-car collisions occur in the United States each year. They’re most commonly seen at railroad crossings. As a result of these incidents, 600 people died and 2,300 were injured.

According to the USDOT’s Federal Railroad Administration, 80% of railroad crossings in the United States lack adequate warning devices.

Train derailments, poorly maintained tracks, a lack of safety regulations, and insufficient security are the leading causes of train accidents.

Kern County Train Accident Lawyers

Every year, too many people are killed or injured in train accidents that could have been avoided. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a car accident, Arash Law can assist you. We’re here to assist you if you’ve been the victim of a heinous crime.

Accident victims’ families may be entitled to financial compensation. Medical expenses cover everything from pain and suffering to lost wages and reduced earning potential.

Insurance companies frequently target grieving families as their primary targets. That is not going to happen.

Our legal team keeps up with the latest developments in the field of wrongful death law. Arash Law’s Kern County train accident lawyers can assist you and your family in recovering financial compensation for those who have lost a loved one in a train accident. Please contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.