Pedestrian struck by VTA train in San Jose dies despite rescue efforts

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A VTA light rail train hit and killed a man Tuesday afternoon. For a time, the man's body was stuck underneath the train.

First responders worked for an hour to lift the train and revive the man. VTA resumed normal operations around 9:30 p.m.

As part of the accident investigation the train's operator will be reviewing surveillance video from the train.

Around 4:30 p.m., VTA officials say a light rail train hit a pedestrian near the Fruitdale station. The man was trapped for nearly an hour. Sky7 HD was overhead and showed first responders attempting to pull him out. Despite their efforts the man died at the scene.

Barbara McNew has lived in the area more than 40 years.

"There's no train horn to let anyone know they're coming," McNew said.

VTA confirms this is a designated quiet area because of nearby homes. Spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross says in this case, the pedestrian was trespassing. He was in the right of way between the tracks and a fence.

"It was not a situation that the person was in the intersection, so that would not have come into play," Hendler Ross said.

Hendler Ross says the train can travel up to 55 miles per hour. She says the operator began to brake after seeing the pedestrian.

VTA confirms there have been two other fatal accidents north and south of the Fruitdale Station within the past three years. VTA says neither investigation found VTA to be at fault.

"Whatever could be done to keep this from happening again, that would be great," McNew said.