Train Strikes Fallen Tree

A train from San Luis Obispo en route to San Diego hit a large eucalyptus tree which had fallen in its path about one mile south from of El Capitan State Beach this morning, causing moderate damage but no injuries.

The Amtrak train crew saw the tree as it rounded a curve just after 10 a.m. but the locomotive unable to stop in time, and the tree struck the train about level with the wind shield in front. The train dragged the tree approximately 100 yards before the train was able to come to a complete stop.

No injuries were reported, but Santa Barbara County Fire reported damage to the front of the train, including some windows blown out on one side.

The six car and one engine train carrying roughly 130 passengers and seven crew members was moved to Goleta for an evaluation after an hour or so of delay.