The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that a 24-year old man was killed when he was struck by an Amtrak train while crossing the tracks in Carlsbad Thursday night.
According to the paper, the victim, who has not been publicly named, was riding east on the sidewalk near Grand Ave and Washington Street when he rode onto the tracks, and somehow struck the side of the train around 7:30 pm.
He was taken to an Oceanside medical center, where he died.
Sadly, he was on his way to meet friends in Carlsbad Village, the Times of San Diego reports.
A street view shows the railroad crossing is controlled by warning lights and crossing arms. However, the arms don’t extend to the sidewalk where the victim was riding. No explanation is given for why he apparently either didn’t notice the train, or was unable to stop in time to avoid it.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to call the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at 858/565-5200.
This is at least the 53rd bicycling fatality in Southern California this year; remarkably, it appears to be the first in San Diego County.
As we’ve noted many times before, a train crash is the easiest kind of collision to prevent because you know exactly where it will go, and get a clear warning of when it’s coming; it’s also the most difficult to survive.
So never ride through or around crossing arms or warning signals, and never stop on the tracks.
Update: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the victim has been identified as 37-year old San Diego County resident Jason Lynn Holsinger, despite initial reports that the victim was 24.
The San Diego medical examiner confirms that Holsinger rode around the crossing gates and into the side of the train.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Jason Lynn Holsinger and all his loved ones.
Our prayers go up for the family and friends of the young victim.