Train Kills Man, 34, Standing on Trestle in Ventura

A 34-year-old Ventura man was killed when an Amtrak train slammed into him as he stood on a trestle over the Ventura River near the city’s downtown, officials said.

The man, identified only as a 34-year-old Ventura resident, was standing on the tracks with another man Saturday and made no attempt to move as the eastbound train approached a river bridge, said conductor D. E. Mayo.

None of the 60 passengers aboard the train were injured, officials said, but service to San Diego was interrupted for about two hours as authorities investigated.

Mayo said he blew his whistle several times and immediately began braking the five-car passenger train, which was traveling 45 m.p.h., when he spotted the man from about a quarter of a mile away.

“Certainly there was enough time for him to get out of the way,” Mayo said.

Ventura Police Officer Doug Driver said identification was found on the body. But authorities would not release the man’s name until relatives have been notified.