Amtrak Collision Kills Vehicle Driver in Chico
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico personal injury lawyer. One person was killed in an accident involving a vehicle and an Amtrak train in Chico. Chico Police Department (CPD) reported that the crash occurred during the early morning hours on Saturday, August 18, 2018. CPD has stated that officers are investigating what may have caused the accident. The fatally injured driver has been identified as 35-year-old Jesus Espinosa of Chico.
My sincere sympathies are with the friends and family members of Mr. Espinosa, who are mourning after this terrible accident.
Crash Details
CPD officials who responded to the crash reported that it took place just after 2:25 a.m. Officers said they found a severely damaged vehicle lying on the eastern side of the railway tracks where the railroad intersects West Sacramento Avenue. Reports indicated that an unresponsive driver was found inside the car.
Responders found the driver trapped inside the wrecked car and performed an extrication using specialized machinery. After extrication, medics performed life-saving procedures. The driver was stabilized before being put in an ambulance and rushed to the nearby Enloe Medical Center. Tragically, the hospital staff was not able to treat the driver’s critical injuries. He was declared deceased not long after arriving at the hospital. Nobody on board the train was injured.
Investigation
At the time of the crash, the railroad crossing guards had been lowered. Reportedly, the lights on the guards were flashing properly, and the warning bell had been sounding when responders arrived. Initial investigations suggested that the vehicle driver may have been trying to maneuver around the guards. The CPD Major Accident Investigation Team is looking into this incident and has asked anybody who may have witnessed the collision to call (530) 897-4910 to help with the investigation.
Another Recent Area Train Accident
Another Amtrak collision left one pedestrian with fatal injuries in Redding the previous night, only several hours before the Chico crash. According to the Redding Police Department, the accident happened at about 7:39 p.m. to the north of Tehama Street in the downtown area. Reports stated that police shut traffic down in both directions on Tehama Street, causing major delays.
The identity of the fatally injured pedestrian had not been determined at the time of reporting. Additionally, possible causes of fatal accidents are also still being investigated.
Watch YouTube Video: Railroad Safety – Do’s and Don’ts. This video provides safety tips on what you should and shouldn’t do when crossing railroad tracks.
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Chico Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Chico personal injury lawyer. The effects of a car accident can be tragic. If you’ve lost a person you care about in a crash, call me for free, friendly legal advice. You can call me at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. I can be reached online as well.
Chico residents dealing with wrongful death and personal injury cases have trusted me to help them claim fair payments for over 36 years.
Learn about my history of advocacy by reviewing my Verdicts and Settlements or reading some of my client feedback on:
I am part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the United States trial attorneys’ group for lawyers who have resolved cases worth more than one million USD.
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