SCPD Responds To Train Versus Vehicle Collision - No Injuries!

On Monday, July 3, 2017, at approximately 12:41 pm, two vehicles and a train collided in a non-injury accident at the intersection of Laurel Street and Chestnut Street. A white Mazda minivan turning eastbound on Laurel Street failed to yield for the oncoming train heading northbound on Chestnut St. The train engineer was unable to stop the train in time to avoid collision with the vehicle.

The resulting collision pushed the minivan backward, smashing into a Chevy SUV behind it. There were no injuries in either crash. Both automobiles sustained front end damage. Only minor damage was sustained to the train when it collided with the vehicle.

The driver of the minivan is a 63-year-old from Santa Cruz. The preliminary investigation indicates the train had the right of way. The vehicle was attempting to turn eastbound on Laurel Street when the train struck the vehicle.

Laurel St at Chestnut and Center Street closed temporarily as a result of the collision investigation. Traffic was rerouted through the area. The roadway reopened within two hours of the incident.

The Roaring Camp Train crew checked all of their equipment and continued to Roaring Camp in Felton. The minivan and SUV were towed from the scene.

Anyone who has information or who may have witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact SCPD at 831- 420-5820.

Railroad Crossing Awareness

-Trains and cars don't mix. Never race a train to the crossing — even if you tie, you lose.
-The train you see is closer and moving faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before you proceed across the tracks.
-Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. Even if the locomotive engineer sees you, a freight train moving at 55 miles per hour can take a mile or more to stop once the emergency brakes are applied. That's 18 football fields!
-Never drive around lowered gates — it's illegal and deadly.
-Do not get trapped on the tracks; proceed through a highway-rail grade crossing if you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping. Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
-If your vehicle ever stalls on the tracks, get out and get away from the tracks, even if you do not see a train.