A US city that has become plagued by crime has been compared to a "zombie apocalypse film" due to one particular road. Locals living in Oakland, California, have seen a recent increase in people illegally dumping their cars along the Union Pacific Railroad. Eerie pictures show a stream of vehicles, turned over onto the sides and upside down, ditched on the stretch.
Residents have likened the scenes to a "graveyard" and stressed the situation is getting worse. The vehicles including GMC and Ford pickup trucks, cargo vans and sedans, have been removed over time - but more continue to be dumped. Authorities have attempted to resolve the problem for some time. However there is a shortage of resources to fully tackle the issue, reports San Francisco Chronicle. Officials further explained that the location of the mass abandonment means it is owned by several parties; Union Pacific, Caltrans and Alameda County.
Union Pacific said it already cleaned up the area in November and plan to return to the spot next week. A spokesperson for the company said it is "working on a plan" with the county and city to clean up the cars. Oakland Police Department said it has also taken action against the issue having made arrests, towed cars and have erected barriers by the site.
However, the force is unable to fully clear up the vehciles because it falls under the responsibility of the city and its transportation department. Oakland Police Sgt Tim Dolan said the transport department are currently dealing with a heavy workload. He said: "It's mind-boggling. It's an ongoing issue. But it's just gotten out of control over the last few years.".
