Boy, 11, Struck by Train in Alleged Game of Chicken

Clipped by a train in what Amtrak officials said was a game of chicken, an 11-year-old Orange boy suffered only a broken arm and a few bruises, Anaheim officials said Thursday.

The boy was struck by a northbound train from San Diego at 7:25 p.m. Wednesday, half a mile north of the Anaheim station, according to Clifford Black, director of public affairs for Amtrak in Washington.

“When we think of what could have been, we’re very happy,” said Susan Mendez, the boy’s mother. “I’m only talking so that kids know” of the danger.

According to the train’s engineer, Black said, two boys were standing close to the tracks, facing the train as it approached. Black said the engineer had the headlights on and was trying to stop when the train struck the boy. The other boy managed to escape.

Neither Mendez nor the boy would comment on Amtrak’s claim. The injured boy said he was walking a friend home along the railroad tracks. He said he was aware of the train but underestimated how fast it was moving.

After the accident, the boy said, he walked to a friend’s home, where an ambulance was called. Amtrak officials and local authorities could not find the victim at the scene, Black said.

“For reasons unknown to Amtrak, the boy failed to get out of the way,” he said. “We stand by our feeling that this was some sort of game of chicken.”

The boy is listed in fair condition at Western Medical Center-Santa Ana.

“This is a miracle,” said Joyce Lowder, director of media affairs for the medical center. “Particularly at holiday time.”