Motorist Dies in Race With Train
A motorist whose car crashed through a lowered gate at a railroad crossing was struck and killed Thursday by a Metrolink train, authorities said.
Thursday’s incident in Palmdale marked the 39th accidental death involving Metrolink trains since the commuter service began in 1992, according to Metrolink statistics, plus at least 10 suicides. Metrolink does not count suicides.
The accident occurred about 5:20 p.m. at Sierra Highway, said Greg Cleveland, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The driver, a man believed to be in his 30s, died on the spot, Cleveland said. His name was withheld pending notification of relatives.
Peter Hidalgo, a Metrolink spokesman, said the man’s car was traveling about 70 mph, indicating he was trying to beat the train through the crossing.
The 300-ton Santa Clarita Line train was headed toward Lancaster at about 60 mph when the collision occurred, he said.
No one aboard the train was hurt, Hidalgo said.
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