Train service between Orange and San Diego counties has been indefinitely suspended after a landslide caused debris to fall onto the train tracks in San Clemente. The service disruption has left some passengers stranded for hours.

The suspension of service was announced on Wednesday between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations, which are utilized by Metrolink and Amtrak passengers. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, whose district includes San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, expressed her disappointment over the situation, citing a history of closures due to landslides in the area.

Metrolink spokesperson Scott Johnson reported that rail engineers near San Clemente observed soil and debris falling from the hillside around 4:26 p.m. to ensure passenger safety, the tracks were immediately closed. As a result, all service south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station was suspended indefinitely, impacting both Orange County and Inland Empire service.

The closure of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Oceanside stations has caused significant inconvenience for commuters and travelers. Metrolink initially warned of closures between San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside at around 4:45 p.m., but later announced at 8:15 p.m. that there would be no further service between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside due to ongoing falling debris in San Clemente. Unfortunately, no alternative bus services are being provided between the closed stations.

Amtrak also experienced delays on its Pacific Surfliner route between Los Angeles and San Diego, with service eventually being suspended between Irvine and Oceanside. The Surfliner, which operates between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, utilized chartered buses to transport passengers between the closed stations.

The landslide in San Clemente has raised concerns about the frequency of such incidents in the region. UC San Diego freshman, Kevin Segura, expressed his frustration over the situation, recounting his delayed journey from Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.

Both Metrolink and Amtrak have faced previous landslide-related disruptions, with Amtrak having to implement bus services after three separate incidents in 2022 and 2023. The longest suspension of service due to a landslide lasted for six months.

Authorities are working to repair the trouble spot in San Clemente, with a temporary wall now in place. Once repairs are completed, both Metrolink and Amtrak will resume travel in the area.

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Southern California's transportation infrastructure and the need for continued investment to overcome such disruptions in the face of increasing climate change impacts.

Andrew J. Campa, a member of the Fast Break team at the Los Angeles Times, contributed to this report.