A 51-year-old man who was struck and killed by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train in Placentia in what authorities described as an apparent accident was identified Thursday by the Orange County Coroner’s office as Rafael Romo.
Romo was struck in the area around Orangethorpe Avenue and Richfield Road about 8:15 p.m. Monday, according to Placentia Police Lt. Eric Point.
According to witnesses, Romo was walking his bicycle northbound in the south lane of Richfield Road when he went under the safety arms at the train crossing and onto the tracks, Point said.
Witnesses said Romo looked like he was waiting for the eastbound train to pass when he was hit by the westbound BNSF train that was moving at about 48 mph, Point said.
Romo was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The death appeared to be accidental, Point added.
Anyone with information on the accident was asked to call Placentia police at (714) 993-8164.
—Staff and wire reports