California Family Involved in Catastrophic Collision with Amtrak Train at Christmas Tree Lane Crossing
(Fresno, California – December 1, 2020)
A 5-year-old boy was killed and three other family members were seriously injured when their minivan was struck by a high-speed Amtrak train around 5:50 pm last Tuesday night. The Amtrak train struck the family’s white minivan at the Christmas Tree Lane Crossing near Maroa Avenue and Shields Avenue.
Killed in the collision was Anton Solario. The surviving family members were all taken to a local hospital for treatment. According to reports, the family was waiting in line to see the Christmas Tree Lane, a holiday festive tradition that goes back nearly 100 years.
At this time, it is unclear whether or not the lights and gates at the crossing were properly functioning. Regardless, the minivan may have become trapped on the crossing and unable to reach a place of safety prior to the train’s arrival. Several witnesses to the crash have stated traffic was backed up in both directions along Shields Avenue prior to the collision. The backed-up traffic was caused by vehicles were waiting to turn onto nearby Van Ness Avenue and enter Christmas Tree Lane.
