On January 6th at approximately 12:42 p.m. officers responded to a light rail/pedestrian collision that occurred at the intersection of South Holgate Street and the E-3 busway. Preliminary investigation indicates that a 49-year-old male pedestrian was crossing the light rail tracks westbound against multiple warning signals, which included flashing lights, traffic closure arms, and the sound of the horn of the approaching northbound light rail vehicle (LRV).
The LRV operator saw the pedestrian and applied the emergency brakes but was unable to stop in time and the pedestrian was subsequently struck. SFD medics responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to Harborview Medical Center where he later died.
The LRV had multiple passengers on board, none of whom were injured. The passengers were identified and were transferred to another LRV while others left on foot.
The LRV operator was evaluated for signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. No indications of impairment were detected.
The east light rail tracks were closed briefly during the on-scene investigation.
Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.