RAILROAD ACCIDENT: Apparent suicide attempt freezes Metrolink operations

August 24, 2010

Anaheim – A man died after being struck by a Metrolink train Tuesday morning on La Palma Avenue, between East and Pauline streets, authorities said.

According to witnesses, Peter Hans Pandur, 52, of San Diego, walked right into the tracks and stood there as the Los Angeles-bound Train 601 approached. Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez said that the train’s traveling speed caused its failure to stop in time.

The incident occurred around 6 am, shortly after the train on the Orange County line left Anaheim. This forced the postponement of Train 600 and the re-routing of others. Metrolink officials advised passengers to take Amtrak 566 from Union Station.

Fortunately, no passengers were injured. However, traffic on both lanes on La Palma was closed until 10 am.

Both railroad tracks were also closed while investigation was going on. Metrolink spokeswoman Angie Starr said that “significant delays are expected.” Tracks were reopened at about 9:20 am, under speed restrictions.

Authorities said that Pandur may have attempted suicide, but the Orange County Coroner's officials did not make any official declaration until the results of medical examination, which will be completed on Wednesday.

Passengers were transported by Orange County Transportation Authority buses from Anaheim to Fullerton.