5-Year-Old Anton Solorio Dies After Train Strikes Van on East Shields Avenue [Fresno, CA]

Anton Solorio, 5, Dies After Train Hits Car on East Shields Avenue Near North Maroa Avenue

 
FRESNO, CA (December 8, 2020) — A 5-year-old boy died Tuesday night after an Amtrak train struck a family minivan on East Shields Avenue near North Maroa Avenue on December 1.
 
Around 5:30 p.m., what was supposed to be a time for holiday joy turned into a tragedy.
 
According to Deputy Chief Mike Reid, a line of vehicles awaited Christmas Tree Lane’s twinkling lights and holiday music. Among those vehicles, a family in a minivan waited, anticipating the Yuletide event; however, an oncoming Amtrak train carrying about 70 passengers struck the white van as part of it straddled the tracks.
 
Per reports, the van became stuck on the tracks for unknown reasons; however, other reports indicated that the driver, the mother, thought the vehicle had cleared the tracks after she had felt and heard a thump upon crossing it, allowing enough room for the train to pass. Although, circumstances proved otherwise.
 
According to the Fresno County Coroner, Anton Solorio died at the scene after the train struck the rear passenger side of the van.
 
Additionally, a 22-month-old baby in the back row and his 7-month pregnant mother sustained minor injuries. A grandmother in the front passenger seat dodged harm.
 
As a result of the crash, authorities closed both lanes of travel on Shields Avenue for investigation. None of the 70 passengers on board sustained any injuries in the incident. Yet, if anyone has more information on this crash, please contact investigators.

We would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Anton Solorio.

Call (800) 625-5052 to reach Steve Mehr about setting up a free consultation or filing a police report of a recent car accident. We are a team of dedicated and aggressive lawyers who specialize in wrongful death and personal injury matters. From truck accidents to slip and falls, we understand a variety of cases that may help you and your family at this time. During your free consultation, we can discuss some questions you have and your options.