http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/06/24/BAJI1K2ENG.DTL&tsp=1
“5 die many hurt as semi hits Bay Area-bound train”
by Jaxon Van Derbeken, Kevin Fagan,Will Kane, Chronicle Staff Writers
Saturday, June 25, 2011
SNIPPET: “Federal transportation safety officials said numerous bodies remained onboard a Chicago-to-Emeryville Amtrak train in the Nevada desert after a gravel-hauling tractor-trailer rig slammed into it east of Reno at midday Friday.
The rig’s driver and a train conductor were among the five confirmed dead as of late Friday. Scores of victims were sent to hospitals with injuries, while as many as 45 remained unaccounted for, federal officials said.”
SNIPPET: “”We’re all wondering how in the world this could happen,” said Kurt Althof, spokesman for Careflight helicopter ambulance, which flew two women with serious injuries to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. “There is absolutely nothing on that highway. It’s just desert. How a truck could go into a train like that out there is just bizarre.”
The train was the California Zephyr, which had originated in Chicago. It was due to arrive in Emeryville at 4:10 p.m., with 14 crew members onboard.”
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/25/feds-look-into-truck-driver-killed-in-fiery-amtrak-crash/
(AP)
“Feds Look Into Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Amtrak Crash”
Published June 25, 2011
Associated Press
SNIPPET: “Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dan Lopez said the gates and warning lights were working. Witnesses told authorities that the truck didn’t seem to attempt to stop at the crossing when it crashed through the gate. The driver was the sole occupant of the semi, which was hauling two empty gravel trailers.”