Two killed trying to beat train in southeast Fresno, police say
A driver who drove through a crossing in southeast Fresno was killed, along with a passenger in the car, late Monday night, police reported.
The collision took place about 10:30 p.m. on Central Avenue near Maple Avenue just west of Highway 99, said Lt. Paul Cervantes.
The two victims were identified Tuesday by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Noe Maravilla, 27, of Fresno, and Juan Ramirez, 21, of Fresno.
Maravilla was the driver, the coroner’s office said.
Police received a report of the crash through a 911 call. Cervantes said the driver of the compact car swerved through down crossing arms and was hit by the southbound passenger train.
There were 26 passengers on the train, but none were hurt. The car was dragged an unknown distance by the train. An Amtrak spokeswoman said the train was traveling to Bakersfield from Oakland. Passengers were transferred to bus service to get to their destination.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe and police are conducting the investigation.
Central and Maple was closed for several hours after the crash.
This story was originally published March 16, 2021 at 6:11 AM.