Man Loses Leg in Fall Under Train

An unidentified man lost a leg Saturday when he fell beneath a moving freight train just south of San Clemente.

A witness said two Camp Pendleton Marines treated the man, who is about 30, until San Clemente Fire Department paramedics arrived. The victim was taken by helicopter to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, where he had surgery.

A hospital spokesman said the man’s right leg had to be amputated just below the knee, along with several toes on his left foot. The spokesman said the man, listed in serious condition, had no identification.

The accident occurred at 8:30 a.m. just north of San Onofre at Basilone Road.

Walter Scott of El Toro, who was camping at a nearby state park, said the freight train had pulled over on a siding to allow an Amtrak train to pass. When the freight continued, the man either tried to get on or fell off the train and under a wheel.

“The two Marines who helped the injured man saved his life,” said Scott, who telephoned for medical help.