(The San Jose Mercury News posted the following Associated Press article on its website on March 27.)
SAN LORENZO, Calif. — An SUV driver died when an Amtrak train hit his vehicle as he apparently tried to drive around crossing gates in San Lorenzo.
San Leandro police say it appears that 19-year-old Jesus Vasquez of San Leandro was trying to drive his Cadillac Escalade around the gates last night at Washington Avenue when the train hit him at about 60 miles per hour.
The train was carrying about 25 passengers from Sacramento to San Jose.
The train’s crew and passengers were uninjured.
The incident is under investigation. Authorities say the gates and flashing warning lights were working at the time of the crash.