Local News in Brief : Man Hit by Train in Stable Condition

A 49-year-old man who authorities said was hit by a freight train Saturday in Van Nuys was in serious but stable condition Sunday at Northridge Hospital Medical Center after surgery, a nursing supervisor said.

Crew members of the Southern Pacific train told Los Angeles city firefighters that they saw Samuel Garcia of North Hollywood sitting on the tracks near Saticoy Street, a Fire Department spokesman said. The crew sounded the train’s whistle, but Garcia did not appear to move away from the rails.

Garcia, was struck by a metal staircase on the train, which left a deep wound in his upper back. The accident occurred about 5:30 p.m. Garcia was airlifted to the hospital by rescue helicopter Saturday. He was initially listed as being in critical condition.