Truck Driver and Passenger Make Miracle Escape Seconds Before Train Plows into Cab Stranded on Rail Lines

Mar. 15, 2025

The semi truck after it was hit.Photo:Auburn WA Police Department Facebook

Auburn WA Police Department Facebook

A driver and his passenger had a narrow escape when the tractor-trailer they were in got stuck on train tracks in Auburn, Wash. on Saturday, Jan. 18.

According to apolice release, the driver made a “wrong turn and got stuck on the train tracks at 29th B NW” at around 10.18 a.m. local time. The pair were able to “safely” exit their vehicle at the last second as an Amtrak train heading south with 157 passengers sped toward them.

“It was real foggy. The only thing we could see from the train was just the lights, that’s it,” he told the outlet. “We couldn’t really tell how fast it was coming. I seen it coming. I don’t know how fast. I just know trains be moving."

“By the time I looked over, the train was right there, so I just jumped out," Young added. “Yeah, it was real close, so I had a good three seconds to get out.”

The vehicle can be seen getting violently ripped apart with parts flying up to 30 feet ahead.

“I’m like, ‘Yo, forget the truck, man. We got to get out of here, man,’” Chris B. told KIRO. “If he would have stayed on the truck for more than five seconds, it would have been over with.”

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Chris B., pictured.FOX 13 Seattle/Youtube

FOX 13 Seattle/Youtube

Sam Koek, who was on board the train at the time, said he felt the impact when the train collided with the stranded truck.

“The entire driver’s side of the truck was just ripped out of it,” Koek told the outlet.

“It was completely on its side, shattered. There were wires sticking out of the glove compartment," he continued.

Valley Regional Fire confirmed onXthat the scene was being investigated, writing “There were no injuries and the scene is still under investigation.”

According to the police statement, the Amtrak train reported no passenger or crew injuries.

In a statement to PEOPLE a spokesperson for Amtrak said, “On Saturday, Jan. 18, Amtrak train 11 was traveling from Seattle to Los Angeles at approx. 10:17 a.m. PT when an unoccupied vehicle obstructing the track south of Seattle came into contact with the train.

“There were no reported injuries to the 157 passengers or crew members onboard. Amtrak is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident,” they continued.

“According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), trespassing along railroad rights-of-way is the leading cause of rail-related deaths in America, and railroad crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in America. These incidents can affect everyone involved—those who are injured or die and their families, our train crews, and our passengers.

source: people.com