Pedestrian Killed by Train in O.C.
An Amtrak train Tuesday struck and killed a man who authorities said ignored warning signals at a street crossing in downtown San Juan Capistrano.
Though sheriff’s officials declined to identify the victim, relatives said he was Carlos Gomez, 18, who apparently was unaware a southbound train was approaching and was nearly saved by a friend walking with him.
“The friend attempted to grab the victim,” said Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “But the force of the train threw him 90 to 100 feet.”
Gomez died at the scene.
As he and his friend walked toward the crossing on La Zanja Street in San Juan Capistrano’s mission district about 9 a.m., the gates were down and warning bells were sounding, Amormino said.
“When the warning arms go down, they don’t block pedestrian traffic, only vehicles,” Amormino said. “Maybe the victim was complacent or not paying attention, but he basically walked right into the train.”
The friend was unhurt, Amormino said.
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