(Martinez, California – September 10, 2017)
A 53-year-old local woman was killed as she was attempted to cross Union Pacific Railroad tracks to access a popular recreation and park area in Martinez, CA. She was struck from behind by a passenger train at about 11:30 A.M., PDT, Sunday morning.
Dori Garner was struck by a westbound Amtrak Capital Corridor passenger train that was enroute from Sacramento to Oakland, CA. The Amtrak train is one of a daily average of 54 Union Pacific freight and Amtrak passenger trains that roll along the double-track rail corridor through Martinez at a maximum allowable speed of 40 mph. The collision occurred as the train rounded a curve between the Amtrak station and the Martinez Marina and City Park. The tragedy occurred near the Ferry Street crossing.
The case was being investigated by Martinez Police with assistance from both Amtrak and Union Pacific. Amtrak and Union Pacific have long encouraged public police and news entities to use the word “trespasser” when referring to those individuals killed or injured when walking over commonly-used corridors or footpaths near railroad tracks, regardless of ease of entry by the public.
