Amtrak train collides with gas truck near Santa Maria, multiple injuries reported

An Amtrak passenger train collided with a tanker truck hauling diesel fuel west of Santa Maria Wednesday afternoon, injuring several people, according to authorities.

The crash was reported at 4:15 p.m. near Highway 1 and Brown Road, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said the train may have derailed but was still upright after the collision, and had “diesel fuel all over it.”

The truck driver was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center with major injuries by American Medical Response ambulance, he said.

Three train passengers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

There were approximately 260 people on the train, Safechuck said.

Amtrak was sending buses as alternative transportation, and the passengers will stay on the train until they arrive, he told Noozhawk.

The truck was crossing the tracks at a marked crossing with a stop sign and sign saying “Private RR crossing.”

About 3,500 gallons of diesel spilled on the ground and tracks and a hazardous materials crew was dispatched to the scene.

Highway 1 was shut down between Brown Road and Main Street/Highway 166 as of 5:10 p.m., the CHP said.

Train traffic was reportedly stopped after the collision, with emergency responder crews working in the area.

County Fire, Guadalupe Fire, Santa Maria Fire, the CHP, AMR, Caltrans, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and Amtrak Police responded to the scene.

This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM with the headline "Amtrak train collides with gas truck near Santa Maria, multiple injuries reported."