14 injured after commuter train derails in Northern California

A preliminary investigation shows that a mudslide could have caused the accident

At least 14 people have been injured after a commuter train derailed in northern California. (Aisha Knowles/Alameda County Fire Department/Associated Press)

A commuter trail derailed in Northern California injuring 14 people on Monday night.

The Altamont Corridor Express struck a tree that had fallen onto the tracks before it derailed on Monday night, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Nine people were transported to the hospital while five suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, the Alameda County Fire Department said on Twitter.

Alameda County Sheriff's Sergeant Ray Kelly said it was a “miracle” that no one was killed.

“It was dark, wet, it was raining. It was very chaotic,” Kelly told the Associated Press. “This is an absolute miracle that no one was killed, no passengers or first responders.”

Rescuers pulled passengers to safety from the partially submerged rail car. There were 214 people aboard the train.

Passenger Russell Blackman told KGO-TV that he suffered very minor injuries after riding in the second car.

“Our car went off the track and stopped right at the edge, which was a blessing,” Blackman said. “I was thrown out of my seat. I hurt my shoulder, but I'm not going to complain.”

The ACE train will be canceled on Tuesday, ACE officials announced in a statement.

“We are working with our partners to restore service as soon as possible pending a complete investigation and assurance that the tracks are safe.”