Man killed by train while trying to protect dog

DEL MAR (CNS) – A man chasing his dog across a coastal bluff near Powerhouse Park was fatally struck by a passenger train this afternoon.

The northbound Amtrak locomotive hit the pedestrian off the 100 block of 11th Street in Del Mar shortly before 3:30 p.m., according to sheriff's officials.

The victim, whose name was not immediately available, died at the scene, sheriff's Lt. Clayton Lisk said. The dog was unhurt, according to broadcast reports.

Witnesses told reporters the victim ran onto the tracks while apparently trying to catch the unleashed canine.

The North County Transit District provided bus service between Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley for rail commuters facing delays due to the fatality. Coaster train service was expected to be running behind schedule into the evening hours, the agency advised.