Teen Bicyclist Killed by Amtrak Train in Sorrento Valley [San Diego, CA]
SAN DIEGO, CA (June 16, 2024) — A devastating incident occurred on Friday afternoon in the University City/Sorrento Valley area of San Diego, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old boy.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office reported that the accident happened at 12:34 p.m. at the intersection of Sorrento Valley Blvd and Sorrento Valley Road, near Roselle Street.
According to a spokesperson from the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, the tragic event involved a southbound Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train and the young victim, who was riding a bicycle at the time.
Witnesses at the scene told deputies that the teen and two friends were waiting at the crossing arms for a northbound train to pass. Tragically, as the northbound train cleared and the crossing arms lifted, the teen proceeded to cross the tracks, unaware of the approaching southbound train.
The San Diego Amtrak accident was immediate and fatal, claiming the young bicyclist’s life at the scene. The other two teens with him were unharmed. Following the accident, law enforcement and emergency responders worked to clear the scene, and the victim’s distraught parents arrived shortly thereafter.
The accident led to temporary closures of the train tracks, impacting Pacific Surfliner and COASTER services while the investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Transit Enforcement Unit. The San Diego Police Department also responded to assist with traffic control and further investigative efforts.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for officially identifying the victim and determining the exact cause and manner of his death. This incident has deeply affected the community, prompting renewed calls for increased safety measures at train crossings.
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