Big Rig “Drove Into” Amtrak Train in Calif.

A big rig drove into the side of an Amtrak train carrying 169 passengers Monday afternoon near Hanford, Calif., about 30 miles south of Fresno, Amtrak officials said. At least 20 passengers suffered minor to moderate injuries, according to the Associated Press. The truck driver also was injured, according to the California Highway Patrol. Amtrak issued a statement at 3 p.m. saying there were "no initial reports of serious injuries to Amtrak passengers and crew aboard the train, which has been fully evacuated." Amtrak said the truck "drove into the side" of the train "at a public railroad crossing equipped with warning lights, bells and gates" at 12:25 p.m. "I thought a bomb went off," said a passenger on the scene whose face was bloodied. Three of the train's five cars were pushed off the track, and video from the scene showed them leaning at a 45-degree angle. The big rig, which was hauling cotton in two trailers, fell onto its side. Its front end was severely smashed.

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