A bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene near his bicycle after being struck by a BNSF freight train Friday afternoon near the Santa Fe Springs/La Mirada border. Photo (c) Brian Feinzimer |
Santa Fe Springs~A bicyclist was struck and killed at the intersection of Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues earlier this afternoon just outside the La Mirada city limits shortly before 3:00 p.m.
It was first reported on our Twitter feed by @momofabc3 at 2:47 pm.
Witnesses on the scene told us a man was attempting to cross the track when his wheel became stuck in the rails and he fell off his bicycle. While attempting to get out of the way he was struck by the train. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rosecrans Avenue was closed in both directions for hours as officials conducted an investigation. Metrolink and Amtrak service was also delayed.
We have an unconfirmed report that the victim was possibly a transient from the North Fork Coyote Creek encampment near the Rosecrans bridge, just a couple of hundred yards to the west.
The railroad crossing at Rosecrans and Marquardt Avenues has been rated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the most hazardous grade crossing in California.
Just last week, as reported on this website, Metro officials announced plans at a community meeting held in La Mirada that a grade separation project has been proposed for the intersection. The project is fully funded with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2018 with Rosecrans Avenue more than likely to be reconstructed to go over the railway tracks.