Man fatally struck by VTA train was chasing after dog

SAN JOSE (KGO) -- An investigation is underway into a fatal accident involving a VTA light rail train in San Jose.

This is the second person killed this year at the intersection of Stokes and Southwest Expressway. The most recent accident happened last night just after 9 p.m.

"(The victim) is a male in his 50s and he appeared to be chasing after a dog and he went into the path of the train and that's all we know at this point," said San Jose Police Dept. Lt. Lisa Gannon.

A small memorial was started this morning next to the tracks. It includes a candle, flowers, a rock, a San Francisco Giants hat and a necklace. The messages are for Michael or Mike. About 25 people were on the train at the time of the accident. They were not hurt.

San Jose police's traffic investigation team was called out to the scene.

"Everything was operating properly. The gates were down the bells were ringing," said VTA Spokesperson Colleen Valles.

A VTA spokesperson says standard procedure in a case like this means the operator will be tested for drugs and alcohol and the train impounded. The area was blocked off for several hours. It is now open and light rail service continues now in the area.

A memorial still remains at this intersection for 14-year-old Danika Tyler Garcia. She was killed by a train in January while riding her bicycle to class at Del Mar High School.