Amtrak train derails after hitting semi; dozens hurt

Faran Thomason via Twitter The San Joaquin Amtrak train derailed Monday afternoon south of Fresno, Calif. after colliding with a big rig on the tracks. Twenty-three people were injured. By Isolde Raftery, NBC News A southbound Amtrak passenger derailed early Monday afternoon south of Hanford, Calif., after colliding with a semitrailer, the Fresno Bee newspaper reported.  Between 30 and 50 people were injured, according to the newspaper, including the driver of the big rig was who pinned in his vehicle. The truck, which carried cotton trash, crossed onto the rails as the train approached. According to the Bee, the crossing arms were down.  KFSN-TV Fresno reported there were about 150 passengers aboard the San Joaquin train, which runs between the San Francisco Bay Area and Bakersfield. Faran Thomason, a passenger who identifies himself as Junglecat on Twitter, wrote that he was "in the middle of nowhere by Hanford," and that the train "hit a semi on the track." "#amtrak train is leaking diesel...can't be good," Thomason wrote. He also posted an image. This is a developing story.  More content from NBCNews.com: California becomes first state in nation to bay 'gay cure' therapy for children 2 killed, 1 wounded in biker shooting at VFW lodge shooting Family demands answers in fatal shooting of woman by Border Patrol agent LA drivers steer clear of 'Carmageddon' freeway closure Wild horses sold by US later ending up at slaughterhouses? Video: Soldier surprised with message from military father Follow US News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook