RivCo Woman Fatally Struck By Freight Train: Police

CORONA, CA — A 50-year-old woman died after she was struck by a train in Corona when she stepped onto the tracks, authorities said Thursday.

Silvia Gaitan of Hemet died around 3 p.m. on Wednesday after she was hit by a freight train on Burlington Santa Fe Railroad tracks in the 900 block of Railroad Street, according to the Corona Police Department.

Sgt. Brandon Palaoro told City News Service witnesses spotted Gaitan walking along the tracks, and when the freight train approached, she "appeared to intentionally remain on the tracks," even as the train engineer "sounded the horn."

Palaoro said the victim was hit at an unknown speed before the train came to a stop.

The witnesses and train personnel, none of whom suffered injuries, immediately called 911.

Corona Fire Department paramedics pronounced Gaitan dead at the scene.

The tracks were closed for part of the afternoon while a preliminary investigation was conducted.

Anyone with information about the victim or the death was asked to contact the police department at 951-736-2330.

City News Service contributed to this report.