Trackway Reopens After Amtrak Train Strikes, Kills Man

BERKELEY, CA: A man was struck and killed by an Amtrak Capitol Corridor train in Berkeley late this morning, according to Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad officials. Train No. 535, traveling from Sacramento to San Jose, struck and killed the man, Amtrak spokeswoman Vernae Graham said.

The collision occurred around 11:55 a.m. near Bancroft Way and Fourth Street, Union Pacific spokesman Francisco Castillo said. The man was apparently trying to cross over the tracks when he was struck by the train, which was going between 20 and 30 mph, Castillo said. No injuries were reported to the 101 passengers and crew members on the train, Graham said.

The trackway was shut down in both directions for more than two hours and passengers were taken by bus to Emeryville, the next stop on the route, Graham said. Regular service resumed on the line by 2:20 p.m., transit officials said.

Castillo said, “The safety message here is that pedestrians, bicycles and cars need to be very aware of the hazards associated with trains and should never be on the train tracks or attempt to cross one without following the proper signs.”

By Bay City News

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