A train clipped a car on the Caltrain tracks in San Bruno this evening, causing major delays for passengers throughout the area, Caltrain said.
According to the @caltrain Twitter account, a train traveling northbound struck a BMW that was on the tracks at San Mateo Avenue at about 6 p.m.
Upon investigation, however, the car couldn't immediately be found, @caltrain said.
Minutes later, @caltrain said that the car and the woman driving the vehicle were found at a nearby supermarket. The driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries, Caltrain said.
Train service has been delayed up to 30 minutes until about 8 p.m. while the accident is under investigation, a Caltrain spokeswoman said.
"Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation, Caltrain reminds pedestrians and drivers to be cautious when crossing train tracks. Never go around lowered crossing gates," Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn said. "The gate means wait."
So for being stupid the car owner faces a huge bill to repair the car, medical costs (minor if the reports are to believed). And oh yes, a major fine! Trespassing on active train tracks can be up to $6,000. And I bet Caltrain will seek the maximum for this dolt. As for communication, not a surprise. Caltrain often fails to say much unless you really push it. Conductors rarely say what the problem is unless they really know by being on that train. Sometimes they simply say there is a problem up ahead on the line and apologize for it. Commuters with internet phones often find out quicker thanks to Twitter and other internet sites. The conductors have to rely on the mobile communications devices (radios) they have with them.
Found at supermarket. I wonder if that was Mollie Stones at Bayhill (San Bruno & Cherry). That would make it at least 2+ miles from the scene.