(Image source from: Oxnard train- lorry crash})
A lorry was hit and dragged to few meters by a commuter train before being engulfed in flames. 28 peoples injured in the accident were rushed to Ventura County Medical Centre. Four are stated to be in critical condition.
The collision happened at a level crossing in Oxnard, after the lorry stopped on the tracks, officials said.
The truck driver, whom police identified as Jose Alejandro Sanchez-Ramirez, 54, of Yuma, Arizona had driven his 2005 Ford F-450 about 80 feet west of the rail crossing, National Transportation Safety Board member, Robert Sumwalt said onTuesday. The driver has been detained and is under police observation.
Acording to a statement given to police, the driver wanted to turn right at a junction but turned too soon and drove on to the railway tracks.
It is estimated that the train struck the lorry at a speed between 40 mph to 50 mph.
"I saw a bright flash, a big fireball and flames, flames going pretty high," said Glenn Frisbie, a witness.
Metrolink spokesman Jeff Lustgarten said the crash was recorded by cameras on board the train. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
“We support the NTSB's investigation, and this is theirs to look into,” Lustgarten said.
-Smrutirekha
