Two UP crew members killed in collision with equipment on siding

Two UP crew members killed in collision with equipment on siding

By Trains Staff | September 8, 2022

| Last updated on February 19, 2024


Early morning accident occurs near Salton Sea in Southern California

Union Pacific logo without sloganMECCA, Calif. — Two Union Pacific crew members were killed early Thursday morning when a train collided with equipment on a siding near the unincorporated Coachella Valley community of Mecca, KESQ-TV reports.

The accident occurred about 3 a.m. near Bombay Beach on the north shore of the Salton Sea, UP spokesman Mike Jaixen told the station, when the train operated by the crew members entered a siding and struck equipment occupying the siding track. Seven cars derailed as a result. The accident site is on the Yuma Division of UP’s former Southern Pacific Sunset Route.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the incident, Jaixen said.

— This is a developing story. Follow Trains News Wire for more information as it becomes available.

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