5-Year-Old Child Killed In Train Crash Near Christmas Tree Lane
By Rebekah Gonzalez
December 2, 2020
The opening night of Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane ended in tragedy when a child was killed in a train crash while waiting to enter.
The Fresno County Coroner's Office has identified the child as five-year-old Anton Solorio of Fresno, according to ABC30.
On Tuesday, December 1, the child and his family were waiting in line to enter Christmas Tree Lane.
The family's minivan was stopped on train tracks and was soon hit by an Amtrak train, killing 5-year-old Solorio.
The van became stuck on the tracks while waiting in line when an Amtrak train with 50 passengers inside crashed into the van.
First responders arrived at the scene but were not able to save the child.
Three other family members were sent to the Community Regional Medical Center with minor injuries, including the child's mother.
The crash occurred at Shields and Maroa at 5:30 P.M.
ABC30 reports that the Amtrak train was headed to Bakersfield. None of the passengers were injured.
Christmas Tree Lane on Van Ness Avenue is just feet from the railroad crossing where the family was struck.
One witness told ABC30 the traffic was backed up for blocks.
Authorities are currently investigating how the minivan managed to get stuck on the tracks.
Photo: Getty Images