A powerful earthquake rocked southern California early on Saturday morning, shaking buildings, toppling shelves and knocking a passenger train off its rails - but caused only a few minor injuries. Scientists at the California Institute of Technology say the quake measured 7.0 on the Richter Scale, meaning it had the potential to cause considerable damage. The recent quakes to hit Taiwan and Turkey with largescale loss of life measured 7.6 and 7.4 respectively. But California was saved from widespread death, damage and injury because the epicentre was in such a remote location. One passenger was reported to have been injured, but all 24 carriages remained upright and there are no signs that any of the other passengers were seriously injured.
Correspondents say some passengers even went back to sleep on the train after it came to a halt.
Clearing the line The Amtrak service, the Southwest Chief, was en route from Chicago to LA where it had been due to arrive later on Saturday. Emergency workers are now trying to clear the line which is an important freight route. Near the epicentre, Gerri Hagman owner of the Homestead Inn in Twentynine Palms said the quake was one of the strongest she had ever felt. In Los Angeles buildings rocked and windows shook as the shockwaves hit the city. Things are bouncing around all over.