Amtrak Train Collides with Abandoned Vehicle in Milwaukie

Driver cited for leaving car stuck on tracks, raising concerns about rail safety in the area.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An Amtrak passenger train collided with an abandoned black Ford Mustang on the tracks in Milwaukie, Oregon on Friday night. The driver of the vehicle had reportedly missed a turn and driven onto the tracks, leaving the car stuck before fleeing the scene. While the train was not significantly damaged, the car was demolished in the collision.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about rail safety in the Portland metro area, where Amtrak trains travel at high speeds even through urban neighborhoods. Previous crashes have involved pedestrians and vehicles, raising questions about the need for better safety measures and public awareness around railroad crossings.

The details

According to police, the driver of the black Ford Mustang had mistakenly driven onto the railroad tracks on SE Harrison Street in Milwaukie, with the vehicle becoming stuck. The driver then left the scene before the northbound Amtrak train collided with the abandoned car. While the train was able to continue its journey with minimal damage, the Mustang was completely destroyed.

  • The collision occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Earlier this year, there have been two other crashes involving Amtrak trains in the same general area just north of Powell Boulevard in Southeast Portland.

The players

Milwaukie Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and issued a statement providing safety guidance to the public.

Amtrak

The national passenger rail service whose train was involved in the collision with the abandoned vehicle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For clarity and as a safety public service message, when an accident like this occurs and the vehicle is stuck, do not try to remedy the situation yourself. It is imperative that the driver, or a witness, calls 911, and looks quickly for the blue railroad ENS sign posted at ALL railroad crossings. On the blue ENS sign there is a phone number and a rail crossing number. The dispatcher on this line can stop rail traffic quickly if they learn where the obstacle is.”

— Milwaukie Police (thebeenews.com)

What’s next

The Milwaukie Police stated that the driver of the abandoned Mustang was identified and issued a criminal citation for 'Failure to perform the duties of a driver', with additional charges under consideration as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of public awareness and caution around railroad crossings, as well as the need for robust safety protocols to prevent collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians in urban areas. The Milwaukie Police's guidance highlights the critical steps drivers should take if their vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks.