Six People Confirmed Dead in Emeryville-Bound Amtrak Train

Six people have been confirmed dead in an accident involving an Emeryville-bound Amtrak train and a semi tractor-trailer, the Churchill County Sheriff's Office said Saturday night.

The deaths include a conductor on the California Zephyr train, the driver of the truck that struck the train Friday, and at least some passengers, according to Amtrak officials. No names of the victims are being released yet, according to the Churchill County Sheriff's Office.

The crash occurred around 11:20 a.m. Friday in a rural area east of Reno, Nev., when the truck struck the train at a crossing.

The truck driver apparently tried to brake before striking the train, leaving brake marks in the roadway, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Dan Lopez. A witness said signals and lights at the railroad crossing were working prior to the crash.

Most passengers had continued their travel west on chartered motor coaches obtained by Amtrak or chosen to make their own arrangements as of Saturday night, Amtrak said.

The train, which originated in Chicago, was carrying approximately 204 passengers and 14 crew members at the time of the accident.

Amtrak customer service employees and crew supervisors are working to assist customers and employees. Anyone with questions about friends or family aboard the train can call (800) 523-9101.

"We are saddened by any injury or loss of life and appreciate the emergency response by local and state agencies," Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman said in a prepared statement.

-- Bay City News