Amtrak train collides with wood chipper on Central Coast, stopping traffic

Emergency personnel responded Friday to a collision between an Amtrak train and a wood chipper along the Gaviota Coast, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The incident involving a northbound Amtrak train occurred at about 10:40 a.m. just south of El Capitan State Beach, said fire Capt. Scott Safechuck.

There were no injuries on the train, and the driver towing the wood chipper declined medical treatment, Safechuck said.

The Amtrak train sustained significant damage, and the chipper was destroyed.

All train traffic in the area was stopped, Safechuck said, adding that it was unknown how long the railroad tracks would remain closed.

Additional details were not immediately available.