Driver dies after collision with train

One person is dead after their pickup truck collided with a train on its way to Oakland on Thursday afternoon.

According to the California Highway Patrol, at approximately 4:45 p.m., an Amtrak train traveling from Bakersfield to Oakland collided with a pickup near the intersection of Madera Avenue and Poplar Avenue in Shafter. The driver of the truck was declared dead at the scene. The passengers of the train and crew were not injured. The area was closed for several hours for law enforcement to investigate the scene and to clean up the scene.

Another Amtrak train was delayed for several hours due to the incident. According to Madelyn Barnett, who had a family member on the train, the incident was frightening. “She told me that she heard a loud screeching noise and the train started to slow down really quick. She said that no one inside of the train was hurt – they were just shaken up and were wondering what had happened.”

Both trains were delayed for several hours before they were able to continue to their destinations. The identity of the driver of the truck as yet to be identified. The investigation is ongoing.