Encinitas CA— Just after 10:30 Saturday night, December 30, 2017, Deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Transit Enforcement Unit responded to an Amtrak Train vs. vehicle collision. The collision occurred on the railroad tracks near the intersection of East E Street and South Coast Highway 101 in the city of Encinitas.
A southbound Amtrak Train was traveling approximately 80 miles per hour when the train operator observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the track. The vehicle was stopped beyond the warning crossing arms. The train went into emergency braking but was unable to stop in time and collided with the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle was safely removed from the vehicle by deputies on scene, before the train collided with the vehicle. The driver of the stalled vehicle was evaluated and arrested for suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Anyone with information about this case can call the Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200.