An eastbound Amtrak train struck a man who was on the train tracks near West Berkeley’s Gilman crossing Tuesday morning at around 9:30 a.m., according to Union Pacific spokesman Francisco Castillo.
The man, who Castillo described as “trespassing,” was injured and transported to Highland Hospital in Oakland. His condition was unknown.
The Gilman intersection was closed for about one hour, causing traffic diversions, and the incident is under investigation, Castillo said.
It was the second instance this month of a train striking a pedestrian in the city. On Feb. 8, a man died after being hit by a southbound Amtrak train near Bancroft Way and Second Street in West Berkeley. He was declared dead at the scene by Berkeley Fire Department personnel.
Castillo said Tuesday’s accident was a reminder of the hazards associated with tracks and trains.
“Any pedestrian, auto or bicycle should be very careful and never try to cross tracks or beat a train without following proper signage,” he said. “It is not worth putting your life at risk to get somewhere a little more quickly.”
Vernae Graham, a spokeswoman for Amtrak, confirmed the details of the incident after the 12:50 p.m. publication of this story, and said the train was traveling from the Oakland Coliseum to Sacramento. She said there were 27 passengers on board and none were injured. Neither were any of the crew. Four trains were delayed as a result of the incident, she added.
Related:
Man dies after being struck by train in West Berkeley (02.08.16)
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