Man struck and killed by Amtrak train

A man was killed Monday morning when he was struck by Amtrak Capitol Corridor Train 527 which was en route from Sacramento to San Jose.

The incident occurred as the train, southbound and crowded with commuters, approached the Richmond BART station at about 8:20 a.m. Service was disrupted for more than an hour on the heavily-trafficked line.

Richmond Police Lt. Bisa French said the man, whose identity is not yet known, was hit near the intersection of Chesley Avenue and Rumrill Boulevard.

“We’ve seen several accidents near that intersection involving trains and cars and pedestrians,” French said. “People sometimes underestimate the danger of trains, despite safety features and other precautions.”

It’s not uncommon for people to walk along this stretch of the tracks. Transients often walk the route while hauling recyclables to a nearby collection center.

French said it was unclear whether the incident was an accident or suicide.

The tracks were re-opened about 9:30 am and passengers on Train 527 were told they would be transferred to another train that will continue the trip to San Jose.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene, about one mile north of the BART station in Richmond. French said Richmond Police were working with investigators from Amtrak and Burlington Northern Sante Fe at the scene.

Rob Gunnison contributed reporting to this story.