LOS ANGELES, CA – A pedestrian was struck and killed by a freight train in South Los Angeles on Monday morning, authorities said.
The collision occurred around 7:20 a.m. near the intersection of Florence Avenue and Graham Avenue in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The pedestrian was hit by a Union Pacific freight train and pronounced dead at the scene. The person’s identity has not yet been released.
Union Pacific, the second-largest railroad operator in the United States, confirmed the incident, stating that the train crew was uninjured and that the company was cooperating with local authorities to determine the circumstances leading up to the fatal collision.
Trespassing on train tracks remains the leading cause of rail-related fatalities in the U.S., according to the Department of Transportation (DOT). In California, trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor that can result in fines or jail time.
The collision reportedly took place near an at-grade crossing, which is protected by crossing gates and lights but is otherwise exposed. The DOT advises that pedestrians should always anticipate trains near tracks, as trains do not always follow set schedules or sound warning horns.
Trains can take over a mile to come to a complete stop, and even individuals near but not directly on the tracks risk being struck, the agency cautioned.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene. An investigation into the incident is underway.
No further details were immediately available.
