Train Strikes Stalled SUV; No One Injured
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VAN NUYS — No one was injured Thursday when an Amtrak commuter train smashed into a stalled sport utility vehicle, authorities said.
The accident occurred about 10 a.m. on the railroad tracks near Hayvenhurst Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard. The driver fled the Ford Explorer after it stalled on the tracks as the train approached, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.
The conductor of the train, which was traveling about 55 mph, couldn’t stop before slamming into the vehicle, Amtrak spokeswoman Jennifer McMahon said.
“The engineer must apply the emergency brakes about a mile before impact to safely stop,” she said. “By the time the engineer sees something, it’s usually too late.”
None of the 65 passengers on the train bound for Santa Barbara was injured.
The train was delayed about 35 minutes before resuming service, McMahon said.
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