1 Killed After Amtrak Train Plows Into Car

One person was killed Sunday night after an Amtrak train plowed into a vehicle that veered off Interstate 5 and onto train tracks in the North County near San Onofre.

Officials say the fatal collision happened just after 9 p.m. and involved a sedan that was driving on southbound I-5 at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

CHP Officer Jim Bettencourt said witnesses reported the vehicle weaving in and out of traffic. As the driver attempted to switch lanes at the same time as another vehicle, he veered off the roadway and down an embankment.

Bettencourt said the vehicle wound up on the train tracks below.

Seconds thereafter, an Amtrak train traveling southbound on the tracks plowed into the vehicle, killing the driver of the car instantly.

Bettencourt said no one else was injured in the crash, including passengers aboard the Amtrak train.

The train came to a halt about half a mile from the site of the crash, and was delayed following the collision. Officials shut down the tracks and began their investigation, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses aboard the train.

Officials said other Amtrak trains traveling into San Diego would be delayed Sunday night due to the deadly accident.

The name of the victim has not yet been released. Check back for updates.

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