A tragic accident occurred in Moorpark on Wednesday afternoon when a Metrolink train collided with a semitruck, resulting in the death of the truck driver and injuries to a passenger on the train. The incident took place around 2:15 p.m. at a crossing in an agricultural area near the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Montair Drive.
According to a Metrolink spokesperson, the train, identified as train 118, struck the truck and trailer while traveling on a private road. The impact was severe; the truck was pushed down the tracks for about a third of a mile. Emergency responders pronounced the truck driver dead at the scene. Additionally, one of the 11 passengers on the train was taken to a local hospital for treatment, though their condition was not disclosed.
The collision left all five train cars and the engine upright, which likely prevented further injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. In Ventura County, crossings on agricultural land are usually marked with stop signs, along with warnings for drivers to look both ways before proceeding.
As a result of the crash, Metrolink services that typically run to Ventura East Station were limited to Moorpark. The company is working to provide alternative transportation for affected passengers and is offering Uber vouchers for those in need.
This incident highlights the dangers present at train crossings, especially in rural areas where signage may not always be sufficient to prevent such tragedies. The community is left mourning the loss of the truck driver while hoping for a swift recovery for the injured passenger.