Driver dies in train collision

Police say he likely tried to cross while railroad guards were down

A man was killed during an Amtrak train collision Saturday around 2:20 a.m. at the railroad tracks at West Sacramento Avenue.

According to a preliminary investigation by the Chico Police Department, the man—whose identity is being withheld until family can be notified—likely attempted to drive his vehicle around the crossing guards when he was hit.

That night, responding officers discovered the crossing guards down, lit up and sounding. The driver was unresponsive, trapped inside a damaged vehicle along the east side of the tracks. He was transported to Enloe Medical Center, where he died.

No train passengers or crew were injured. The roadway was closed for about three hours.

Chico PD’s Major Accident Investigation Team is still investigating the cause. Any witnesses should call Chico PD at 897-4910.