Train operations through Palmdale were expected to be back to normal Thursday morning after a van ran out of gas on the tracks and was struck by a Union Pacific freight train.
The van driver leapt from the vehicle and tried to push it off the tracks, but was unsuccessful even with the help of some nearby people who offered to help.
The train conductor saw the van but was unable to stop the train in time.
The crash was reported on the train tracks near Sierra Highway and Avenue P, according to Lt. Robert Farkas of the Sheriff’s Palmdale Station.
The driver of the van told authorities Wednesday night he ran out of gas, “unluckily for him, right on the tracks,” Farkas said.
The driver got out of the van and enlisted the help of some bystanders to try to push the van off the tracks but they weren’t able to move it successfully, Farkas said.
The conductor of the train saw the van and attempted to use the emergency break but the train nevertheless crashed into the van, Farkas said.
The van sustained moderate damage and the train sustained superficial damage, Farkas added.
The tracks were expected to be reopened early Thursday morning.
—City News Service