An Amtrak train collided with a tractor-trailer rig on a rural Nevada highway on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring dozens, authorities said.

The accident occurred at a rail crossing about 70 miles (112 kilometers) east of Reno, Nevada, according to Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP).

The truck drove into the side of an Amtrak train carrying 204 passengers and 14 crew members, leaving at least two persons dead, including the driver of the truckm, NHP spokesman Dan Lopez said.

About 60 people were injured, among them 10 suffering serious injuries. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, hospital sources said.

There is no immediate information about those who received emergency care, but their injuries were not life-threatening, according to the sources.

Resue work seemed to be blocked by a plume of black smoke caused by the collision.

"We haven't been able to gain access to the train to make sure there's no one else in there," Lopez said. "There could be further fatalities."

The driver ignored the closed crossing arms and flashing red lights before hitting the train, Lopez said.

He said investigators were trying to determine why the driver did not follow the traffic rules.

Amtrak said in a written statement that representatives for the passenger rail service were headed to the scene, along with those of track owner Union Pacific.

"We are saddened by any injury and appreciate the emergency response by local and state agencies," said Amtrak, which , which is partly owned by the U.S. government. "We ask the news media to be respectful of our customers, our employees and their families."