Man reported missing a day earlier hit by freight train on San Leandro Street
November 19, 2025 | East Oakland, CA
An elderly man reported missing from a senior housing complex in San Leandro lost his life after being struck by a freight train in East Oakland.
Authorities confirmed the tragedy occurred early on a Wednesday morning.
What Happened in the Crash?
Jiankang Huang, 79, was reported missing the day before and was killed when a Union Pacific freight train struck him near 60th Avenue and San Leandro Street in East Oakland.
The incident unfolded around 2:54 a.m. near 60th Avenue and San Leandro Street.
Key details include:
- Victim: Jiankang Huang, 79 years old
- Vehicle Involved: Union Pacific freight train
- Location: East Oakland, California
- Outcome: Huang was pronounced dead at the scene
- Prior Report: San Leandro police had reported him missing the previous day and shared flyers with his photo
This heartbreaking event highlights the dangers pedestrians face near active rail lines.
Ongoing Investigation Details
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The coroner's bureau has identified the victim, but further details on contributing factors remain under review. Updates will be provided as new information emerges from official sources.
Recent Similar Incidents in the Area
Just one day prior, on Nov. 18, another fatal train accident occurred in Oakland's Fruitvale district, where a man was struck and killed by an Amtrak train. These back-to-back tragedies underscore ongoing safety concerns along local rail corridors.
Why Do Train-Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Train-related crashes often stem from factors like unmarked crossings, faulty signals, and insufficient barriers. According to the National Safety Council, railroad deaths reached 954 in 2024, marking a slight 1% decline from 967 in 2023.
Year |
Total Railroad Deaths |
Change from Previous Year |
Source |
|---|
2023 |
967 |
Not Available |
National Safety Council |
2024 |
954 |
-1% |
National Safety Council |
Such statistics emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures at rail sites nationwide.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to preserve evidence for affected families. National legal analysts stress the importance of protecting families from influential rail operators.
“A skilled attorney can protect a grieving family from powerful train companies, which often send their investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize to defend a negligent party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives include:
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses like companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation ensures updates on investigations and safeguards victims' rights.
- The emotional toll of such losses can be overwhelming, making professional guidance essential.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our reports draw from verified data and reputable sources like the National Safety Council. We invite corrections within 24 hours via our Corrections Policy to maintain transparency.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).