Two train strike incidents in Indio prompt safety warning from police

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — A troubling trend on the tracks. Authorities in Indio are urging residents to use extreme caution around railroad tracks after two people were killed in separate incidents within just over a week.

The most recent crash happened Friday, May 1, shortly after 7 p.m. near Indio Boulevard and Clinton Street. The victim has been identified by family as 56-year-old Manuel Tijerina.

Loved ones say his sudden death has left them devastated.

“He was a kind soul, a beautiful soul. Kind hearted. Never stole from anybody, never did any harm to anyone. Just a beautiful person,” his brother, Robert Tijeria, said. “I called my mom early in the morning and told her what happened. She screamed, she yelled, she cried. What can you do? It’s just something that’s unimaginable."

Police say the back-to-back incidents highlight an ongoing safety concern in the city.

“You have the railroad tracks that go right through the middle of the city of Indio,” said Indio Police Sergeant Abraham Plata. “We do have a lot of local residents that cross the railroad tracks as a shortcut to get from one side of town to the other. We also have an issue with homeless encampments near the area of the railroad tracks and that definitely creates a big problem.”

Plata said the department is increasing enforcement efforts alongside Union Pacific officials, targeting trespassing and clearing encampments near the tracks.

“Those who are trespassing can be cited and arrested,” he added.

The Tijerina family hopes others will take the warning seriously.

“If you see someone by the railroad tracks, honk at them because sometimes they’re just not aware,” Tijerina said.

If you would like to help the Tijerina family, click here.

Both incidents remain under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.