Amtrak Train Strikes, Kills Young Child In Santa Clara
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) - Authorities are trying to determine how a "very young minor" got onto railroad tracks in Santa Clara Saturday night and was hit and killed by an Amtrak train.
The accident occurred about 4:19 p.m. along the Union Pacific tracks in Santa Clara. Police Capt. Wahid Kazem said it isn't clear as to why the child was on the tracks or how the child got there, but stressed it was an accident and not a deliberate act. He couldn't provide the child's age.
Passenger trains operated by Amtrak and by the Altamont Corridor Express have been delayed as a result of the accident.
Amtrak's Capital Corridor trains in and out of San Jose, as well as one eastbound ACE train destined for Stockton, have been held as the investigation continues.o a city news release.
It wasn't clear whether the man was electrocuted or if he was injured in another manner.
"Our entire city family is saddened by the tragic loss of one of our own. Our condolences are with the family of our employee during this extremely difficult time," said Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada in the statement. "This is a sad reminder of the risks involved in the critical functions that our utilities employees perform daily."
The Palo Alto Fire Department Honor Guard is posted at the hospital to pay tribute to the City employee who lost his life, according to the release.
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