Two cars of a three-car Metro Exposition Line train derailed after hitting a compact car in Los Angeles: 21 hurt; train operator and motorist critically. Service was disrupted for thousands of people headed to an international soccer game at USC.
According to eyewitnesses, a silver Hyundai sedan had turned left onto the tracks, although that has yet to be confirmed. The first responders are bunched over what's left of it, using the jaws of life to excavate the driver.
Credit: Gokhan, The Transit Coalition. More photos here (scroll down).
See KTLA news video.
This incident occurred on the Expo Line "between Vermont Avenue and the train tunnel at Figueroa Street" just before 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, write Jason Song and Jack Dolan of the Los Angeles Times. "The (Hyundai) driver, who was in grave condition, had to be cut out of the vehicle."
Much of the Metro light rail system is at-grade, and accidents involving both cars and pedestrians have been an issue for years.
Partial service to Expo Park/University of Southern California (USC) Station and Expo/Vermont Station had been restored by 3:45 p.m., according to The Source.
The Expo Line opened with much fanfare on April 28, 2012. Notwithstanding initial low ridership, the following year we reported that ridership "may surpass its 2020 ridership projections by the end of this year."
Hat Tip: Darrell Clark, Transit Advocate.
Read the full story: Expo Line train hits car near USC; at least 21 injured, one critically
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