GUADALUPE, CA – A major Guadalupe accident occurred Wednesday afternoon when an Amtrak passenger train collided with a tanker truck at an unprotected railroad crossing near Highway 1.
The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. in Santa Barbara County, just south of Guadalupe. The tanker, which was carrying diesel fuel, overturned and spilled approximately 3,500 gallons onto the roadway, railroad tracks, and nearby farmland.
The truck driver suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Marian Medical Center. Three passengers aboard the train sustained minor injuries and also received medical treatment.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the train was carrying about 230 passengers. While the locomotive remained upright and on the tracks, passengers were forced to stay on board until buses arrived to continue their trip.
Due to the large diesel spill and ongoing cleanup efforts, Highway 1 will remain closed between Brown Road and Highway 166 until Thursday morning.
Santa Barbara County Fire officials and CHP crews continue working to contain the spill, reduce environmental risks, and safely reopen the area.
This accident highlights the dangers of railroad crossings without gates or warning signals, a safety concern that affects many communities across California.
