SHAFTER, Calif. (KERO) — A petition calling for enhanced pedestrian safety measures near railroad tracks in Shafter has gained more than 350 signatures following the death of a local teenager who was struck by an Amtrak train on Saturday.
Nikolas Spencer launched the petition after the weekend tragedy, which marked the latest in a series of serious incidents involving trains in the area.
"This petition is all about bringing awareness to the community about these incidents happening with these trains," Spencer said.
Saturday's death isn't the first serious incident near the tracks. In May 2022, one person was killed and three were injured after a vehicle was hit by an Amtrak train in the area. Just a few months ago, another teen was severely injured after being hit by a train.
"We just