SANTA ANA : Man Slightly Injured When Train Hits Van
A 30-year-old man suffered minor injuries Friday when his van was struck by a southbound Amtrak commuter train.
Officials said a van driven by Domingo Chamu Lopez of Santa Ana stalled on the tracks after Lopez approached the crossing and apparently failed to notice the warning barrier descending. His brakes locked and he skidded onto the traffic island, snapped off the warning arm and continued onto the tracks.
An eyewitness said that Lopez was frantically unloading floor and carpet cleaning equipment about 9:45 a.m. when the train smashed into the van.
“He was able to get most of the stuff out,” said Martin Banuelos, also of Santa Ana.
Lopez, who was taken to a nearby hospital with minor cuts and scratches, was cited for failure to stop at the railroad crossing on McFadden Avenue near Lyon Street, Santa Ana Police Sgt. Bob Clark said.
Clark said Lopez waved his arms to warn the train, which was able to slow to 15 m.p.h. but was unable to stop.
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