Fatal train crash involving 17-year-old teenager on bicycle; Pacific Surfliner and COASTER service affected

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Emergency crews and sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a fatal train crash in San Diego Friday afternoon. The victim was confirmed to be 17 years old.

Officials with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal train-pedestrian crash that occurred at 12:34 p.m. Friday in the University City/Sorrento Valley area.

A spokesman for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency told FOX 5/KUSI that the accident involved a southbound Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train and a minor on a bicycle.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Sorrento Valley Blvd and Sorrento Valley Road, near Roselle Street, at the end of I-805 in the city of San Diego.

The sheriff’s office said in an update Friday evening that witnesses at the scene told officers three boys were riding bicycles and stopped at the barriers to let the northbound train pass. After the northbound train passed, the 17-year-old teen crossed the tracks on his bike, not realizing that a southbound train was also passing.

The sheriff’s office said he was struck by the train and did not survive his injuries. The other two cyclists were not injured.

Officers were seen removing parts of the bent and mangled bicycle from the tracks. The victim’s parents were also on site shortly after the accident.

Immediately after the accident, SkyFOX was seen showing police redirecting traffic around the accident scene.

Pacific Surfliner and COASTER Service were affected while the railway tracks were closed and the police were investigating.

The San Diego Police Department has assigned the Sheriff’s Transit Enforcement Unit (TEU) to investigate the accident.

The sheriff’s office said the medical examiner will identify the victim and determine the cause and manner of death until the family is notified.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency number at 858-565-5200.

Juliette Vara contributed to this report.

We will continue to provide you with updates on this breaking news as it develops.