Oxnard Train Accident Today – Major Collision at Fifth St & Rice Ave Involving a Train and Semi‑Truck; Traffic Diverted from Rice to Rose

Earlier today in Oxnard, California, a significant traffic incident involving a train and a semi‑truck occurred at the busy intersection of Fifth Street and Rice Avenue — a known rail crossing on the Ventura County Line that has seen serious incidents in the past. 

Authorities have confirmed that emergency responders were dispatched to the scene as crews work to clear the wreckage and traffic is currently being diverted from Rice Avenue to Rose Avenue. Commuters and local residents are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan extra travel time if you’re headed in that direction.

According to initial reports, a Metrolink passenger train collided with a commercial semi‑truck that was either stopped or struggling to clear the tracks when the train approached. The force of the impact caused debris from the truck to scatter in multiple directions, damaging nearby property and creating hazardous conditions along the road and rail corridor.

What We Know So Far

• Location: Intersection of Fifth Street & Rice Avenue in Oxnard, Ventura County, CA.

• Vehicles Involved: A Metrolink passenger train and a semi‑truck.

• Traffic Impact: Rice Avenue traffic has been rerouted to Rose Avenue; delays and congestion are likely in the vicinity.

• Emergency Response: Fire, police, and medical personnel are on site managing the incident and aiding any injured parties.

• Investigation: The cause of the accident is under investigation; details such as whether the truck stalled on the tracks or was unable to clear them in time have not yet been confirmed.

This intersection, where a roadway meets a busy freight and commuter rail line, has a history of dangerous collisions. For example, a similar train derailment accident in 2015 occurred at this exact site when a Metrolink train hit a truck that mistakenly entered the tracks, resulting in one fatality and dozens of injuries. 

That older crash sparked safety concerns and discussions about building an overpass to prevent future incidents — a project that has been in planning for many years.

Traffic & Safety Advisory

Right now:

• Rice Avenue is closed to through traffic at the crash location, with detours redirecting vehicles to Rose Avenue.

• Delays are expected on surrounding roads as drivers adjust routes and emergency vehicles continue to operate on scene.

• Those commuting in or through Ventura County are urged to check traffic updates and transit advisories before setting out.

• Exercise caution and patience if you live nearby or need to travel through Oxnard today.

Looking Ahead

Incidents like today’s underscore the ongoing challenges at grade crossings where roads and train tracks intersect without overpasses. While local agencies have been working toward long‑term safety improvements, these daily traffic interruptions and risk factors persist. Authorities will likely provide updates as investigations unfold, and rail service may be affected until the scene is fully cleared and deemed safe.