The Oakland Fire Department was on scene assessing the situation and said that at least 18 people were injured. They called it a major emergency response and six ambulances were also called to the scene.
Initial reports indicate the injuries to passengers and crew on board appear to be non-life threatening and most of them include whiplash. One train involved was Amtrak's Coast Starlight train that runs from Seattle to Los Angeles and the other was Amtrak's San Joaquin train that runs from Bakersfield to Oakland. It appears the Coast Starlight was traveling at a low speed and crashed into the stationary San Joaquin train that was boarding and deboarding inside the Oakland Station.
The impact derailed one of the trains. Railroad inspectors are trying to figure out how it all happened. A railroad worker told ABC7 the switching mechanism was not activated and it is still in the wrong position that led the two trains to collide.
For those interested in updates on Amtrak service, you can call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit their website for the latest alerts and passenger notices.
