Update: Person killed after being hit by Amtrak train in SLO, no foul play suspected
An Amtrak official confirmed Wednesday evening that “an individual” died after being hit by a train Tuesday night while on the tracks.
Amtrak spokesperson Olivia Irvin said in an email Wednesday that “I can confirm the individual died and that there is no indication of foul play.”
Earlier in the day, Irvin said the person, who hasn’t yet been identified, was struck by an Amtrak train in San Luis Obispo on Tuesday night about 8:59 p.m., delaying passengers for more than three hours.
“The pedestrian was trespassing on the tracks near Orcutt Road and Tank Farm Road in SLO when they came into contact with Amtrak train 777,” Irvin said in an email.
“There were no injuries to the 26 passengers on board or crew members,” Irvin said. “The train was delayed for 3 hours and 4 minutes. The Amtrak Police Department is working with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.”
While Irvin didn’t provide additional details in a brief response, a neighbor posted on social media that the person died.
San Luis Obispo resident Amber Hicks wrote on NextDoor that she witnessed the train honking and braking before turning flashing lights on.
“We saw the engineer come out and look at the tracks with his flashlight and could see someone was laying partially in the tracks,” Hicks wrote. “Fire Department showed up right before ambulance and let them know they could leave because the person’s state was ‘not compatible with life.’ ... Luckily we can’t see much from our window. A police officer let us know it was quite gruesome and we probably want to stay away.”
Irvin wrote that “all individuals should exercise caution around railroad tracks and crossings.”
“Amtrak continues to work closely with Operation Lifesaver to communicate the dangers of grade crossings,” Irvin wrote. “Each year, about 2,000 people are killed or injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents nationwide.”
For rail grade crossing tips, visit the Lifesaver website at www.oli.org.
This story was originally published August 25, 2021 at 12:04 PM.
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