2 Hit by Train in Encinitas in Suspected Suicide Attempt: Sheriff

Encinitas, CA — Two pedestrians were struck by a Coaster train Friday afternoon in Encinitas as they were lying on the tracks, a sheriff's official said.

The apparent attempt to simultaneously commit suicide happened at 3:15 p.m. near the downtown area at South Coast Highway 101 and K Street, near Swami's State Beach, San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Eddie Brock told City News Service.

They were believed to have put themselves in the path of the train intentionally, as a means of killing themselves, the lieutenant said.

According to a statement from Deputy Amber Reeves of the sheriff's Transit Enforcement Unit, the train was traveling southbound at a speed of about 50 mph when the engineer saw the two people lying on the tracks.

"The Coaster Train immediately applied the emergency braking system and activated the warning horn, but the pedestrians did not move," Reeves said. "The train was unable to stop and collided into the pedestrians."

The victims' conditions were unclear at publication time. Both were hospitalized following the collision, according to Reeves.

Unconfirmed reports from scene were that the woman became pinned by the train but the man's injuries were less severe.

The incident forced a delay in rail service in the area into the late afternoon, transit officials said.

The Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation of the incident. Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the department's non-emergency line at 858-565-5200.

This is developing story. Refresh the page for updates as more information is added.

—City News Service contributed to this report.

The National Suicide Prevention can be reached by calling 800-273-8255 or via online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.