2 Escape Car Stalled on Tracks in Path of Train
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PALMDALE — A man and woman got out of a car moments before it was struck by a freight train after the driver lost control in wet weather Monday evening, the California Highway Patrol reported. Neither was injured.
Driver Carlos Olaya , 45, and passenger Stella Zapata, 48, both of Palmdale, climbed out of the Toyota Corolla before a Union Pacific train demolished it, said CHP Officer Rosa Ray.
The Toyota hydroplaned on standing water about 5:45 p.m. on Sierra Highway where Union Pacific tracks cross the road just north of Avenue Q, Ray said.
“[Olaya] is coming up and the gates start to go down. He panics and brakes,” Ray said. “He overreacted.”
The Toyota stalled on the train tracks and the two escaped, Ray said.
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