SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Fire officials and a hazmat team have responded to the scene of a collision between a railroad vehicle and an Amtrak train in East Oakland on Friday.
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Two people were injured, Oakland Fire Department Spokesperson Michael Hunt told KCBS Radio's Margie Shafer. One of the victims – a "front loader, tractor operator" working for Union Pacific – sustained "major injuries to his lower body" and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The vehicle, which is owned by Union Pacific, was on the railroad tracks and clearing debris in the area at the time of the collision. It's not known why the vehicle wasn't able to get out of the way before the crash, Hunt added.
The other injured person was a passenger on the train.
The incident happened near 50th Avenue and E. 8th Street in East Oakland shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday. Rail traffic has been stopped in both directions, according to the Oakland Fire Department. About 30 passengers remain on the train awaiting transport to their next destination as of 2:30 p.m.
A hazmat team was been activated "to investigate and assess reports of a 1,200 gallon diesel tank at the scene" and its "potential impacts." An estimated 100-700 gallons are thought to have leaked out, Hunt said.
The rupture has since been contained.
It wasn't clear if there were environmental impacts due to the leak.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area.
Several agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board and Cal/OSHA, are investigating to collision.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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