On Friday, February 11, 2011 at 3:01 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, personnel from Department of Transportation and Animal Services, all under the direction of Battalion Chief Duca responded to a Train vs. Pedestrian at 9370 North San Fernando Road in Sun Valley.

Firefighters arrived to find a 36 year-old male and horse, fatally struck by a Metrolink railcar. Witnesses state that the adult male was riding a horse on the train-tracks over a small bridge, just west of Sheldon Avenue, shortly before they were struck. Sadly and with certainty, firefighters determined that both were beyond medical help.

Metrolink AV Line, Train 216 came to a halt and additional firefighters rapidly assessed all passengers for injuries. Fortunately no one on-board was hurt. Metrolink then utilized buses to take passengers from Sun Valley to Burbank where they were able to board another train to their destination.

San Fernando Road between Truesdale Street and Branford Street was temporarily shut down.

Surrounding circumstances and events leading up the the incident are not fully known. A positive identification of deceased male, as well as the time, cause and exact manner of their death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department