Car Struck by Train in Clackamas County Near Canemah (PHOTOS)

The man was not trapped, and Clackamas Fire crews were able to assist him out of the vehicle and onto a backboard.

Photos courtesy: Steve McAdoo/Clackamas Fire District

(CANEMAH, Ore.) - It sounds like a frustrating experience. A 78-year old man somehow got his car stuck on the railroad track that passes through Canemah, which is south of Oregon City along Hwy 99.

Around 7:24 p.m., the man's car was struck by a train as he sat at the wheel, according to Steve McAdoo with Clackamas Fire District #1.

Fire District crews arrive to find a car on the tracks just in front of a Union Pacific freight train.

"The approx. 78-year old male apparently got onto the tracks somewhere near Oregon City and could not get his car off of the tracks, so he continued south looking for a place to get off of them. He eventually came into Canemah and found a house to ask for help," McAdoo said.

A resident at 104 Apperson called 911, and while that call was being placed, McAdoo says the male got back into his vehicle just before the freight train rammed his car from behind and pushed him 1500-2000 feet down the tracks before coming to a stop.

"The male in the car was not critically injured, but based on his age and the impact, he was taken by ambulance to OHSU for evaluation," McAdoo said.

The man was not trapped, and Clackamas Fire crews were able to assist him out of the vehicle and onto a backboard.

"They then had to carry him approx. 100 yards to the stretcher and waiting ambulance," McAdoo said.

Oregon City Police and Union Pacific Police remained on scene to investigate the incident and wait for tow units to remove the vehicle from the tracks.