Caltrain collision leaves one dead in Palo Alto

A man in his 60s died on Friday night after a train on the Caltrain right of way struck his vehicle at Charleston Road in Palo Alto, Caltrain officials said.

The vehicle was hit south of the California Avenue station by a northbound train at approximately 5:57 p.m., Caltrain said. The investigation is ongoing, but “early reports indicate that this was an intentional act,” Public Relations Specialist Will Reisman wrote in an email.

The Palo Alto Police Department said in a message just before 7 p.m. that the grade crossings over the tracks at Charleston and Meadow Drive were closed and advised drivers to avoid the area to lessen traffic congestion. (See map of traffic conditions here.)

Caltrain officials said just before 8 p.m. that the tracks had been cleared in both directions, but delays were persisting, up to an hour and 45 minutes.

Reisman said that “residual setbacks” would continue “into the near future.”

Passengers can receive service updates by checking Caltrain’s Twitter page.

The incident is under investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Transit Police Bureau, as they have primary jurisdiction over the railway, police said.

——

Any person who is feeling depressed, troubled or suicidal can call 1-800-784-2433 to speak with a crisis counselor. People in Santa Clara County can call 1-855-278-4204. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-628-9454.

People can reach trained counselors at Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.

Links below provide more resources where one can receive help:

• Resources: How to help those in crisis

• Guest opinion: How to help those in crisis

• Q&A about mental health: Local experts offer their advice, guidance