Pedestrian struck and killed by Amtrak train in Merced County, according to authorities

Authorities are investigating after a man was struck and killed by a train in Planada on Tuesday.

Merced County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 5 p.m. to the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Krafft Road, after a pedestrian was struck by an Amtrak train, according to Merced County Undersheriff Corey Gibson.

Gibson said deputies arrived on scene and found the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was believed to be in his 60s, Gibson said.

The train was traveling eastbound when the train’s conductor reportedly saw the man on the tracks, according to Gibson. The conductor sounded the train’s horn in an attempt to warn the man prior to the collision. The conductor reported that the man saw the train but did not move from the tracks, Gibson said.

No injuries were reported to the train’s occupants.

Gibson said Amtrak is cooperating with the investigation. He said the Merced County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate next of kin as well as trying to determining the man’s mental state prior the collision.

This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 2:47 PM.