UNION CITY — No one was injured when an Amtrak Capitol Corridor train slammed into a vehicle Tuesday night, police said.
Train 546 was traveling toward Sacramento when it struck a Prius around 6:35 p.m. at Whipple Road and Railroad Avenue, said Union City police Lt. Jeff Snell. The driver of the Prius and the 200 passengers aboard the train were not injured.
The Prius driver was stopped near the train tracks when another vehicle hit her from behind, moving her car onto the railroad track, Snell said. The motorist realized the train was coming and abandoned her car. The woman’s Prius was totaled.
“The driver made a good decision when it came down to protecting her car or her life,” Snell said. “She did what she needed to do to survive.”
The train was delayed approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, said Amtrak spokeswoman Christina Leeds. Train 547 was rerouted and missed Hayward. Passengers from that train were taxied. Train 548 followed 546.
“It’s unfortunate that some commuters were inconvenienced, but it probably could have turned out worse,” Snell said.
The area of Whipple Road and Railroad Avenue was shut down while authorities investigated the crash. The intersection was reopened by 9 p.m.
Snell said no arrests were made. Police do not suspect that drugs or alcohol were involved in the collision.
Union City police encourages anyone with information on the collision to call 510-471-1365.Check back for updates.
