On Monday, February 8th, 2021, at approximately 1:50 pm, the Turlock Police Department received multiple calls reporting an injury vehicle collision at N Golden State Blvd and W Monte Vista Ave where a train had struck an SUV. Turlock Police officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a blue Subaru SUV with the driver laying unconscious on the floor next to his vehicle. Fire and medical units arrived on scene about a minute later and unfortunately pronounced the driver of the vehicle deceased. His identity is currently not being released, however, he was an 81 year old male of Turlock. This article will be updated once his name is released.

The Turlock Police Department’s preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle was traveling southbound on N Golden State Blvd when he attempted to make a westbound turn onto W Monte Vista Ave at the intersection. While attempting to make that turn, he was struck by a northbound Union Pacific freight train approximately 1,500 feet in length. The train pushed the vehicle approximately 300 feet north of the intersection where it rolled on its side. The train made an emergency stop and came to rest approximately 2,000 feet north of the intersection near Roberts Rd.

The railroad’s crossing signals and arms were working properly at the time of the collision. A Union Pacific spokesperson said that the train’s crew did not sustain any injuries. The Union Pacific Police Department also responded to conduct their own investigation.

There were no roadway closures as a result of this collision and the scene was cleared at approximately 4:30 pm.