Train Kills Child Trying To View Lights On Christmas Tree Lane

A child has been killed after a train hit the family’s car during California’s Christmas Tree Lane event. The other three people in the car were unharmed, and authorities are still investigating exactly what led to the car waiting on the tracks.

The family was waiting to turn into the area when an Amtrak train impacted their vehicle around 5:50 p.m. In a statement, Amtrak said that none of the approximately 50 passengers or crew were injured but service has been temporarily suspended.

While most of the occupants suffered only minor injuries, the child did not survive. The identities of those involved have not yet been made public.

“Unfortunately, as a result of the impact of the train colliding with the vehicle, a small child was ultimately killed,” police Lt. Andre Benson told KGPE. “We have investigators from the traffic unit on the scene right now trying to determine exactly how the vehicle became stuck on the tracks.”

Lines of cars are a common sight as visitors drive around the neighborhood, which has been putting up elaborate Christmas decorations for almost a full century.

Over 100 homes participate, USA Today reports, with over 300 Christmas trees on display. This year, COVID-19 restrictions meant people could only look from their vehicles.