Blue Line Hits Police Car & Injures 6

6 Injured as Blue Line Train Hits Police Car

Los Angeles Times
June 29, 1999

Six people, including an LAPD officer, suffered minor injuries Monday morning when a Blue Line train crashed into an unmarked police car, authorities said.

The crash occurred about 11 a.m. at 7th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, said Jana Blair of the Long Beach Police Department.

The train operator and four passengers complained of injuries and were examined at a hospital, said Ed Scannel of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The train was held up about an hour, Scannel said.

The Los Angeles police officer was on his way to pick up his partner for training at the LAPD’s Harbor Division, Blair said.

The northbound train was going about 25 mph, Blair said, and the officer indicated he did not see it. But the details of the accident are still unclear, she said.

Blue Line Kills Man at Watts Station

Blue Line Train Kills Pedestrian at Watts Station

Los Angeles Times
June 25, 1999

A pedestrian was killed by a southbound Blue Line train Thursday afternoon as it pulled into the 103rd Street Station in Watts.

The man was hit near 103rd Street and South Grandee Avenue about 2 p.m. and died at the scene, said Jim Wells, a spokesman for the city Fire Department.

The man, who was in his 30s, was not identified by authorities.

“According to witnesses, the gentleman appeared to be somewhat disoriented,” said Robert Calix of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

“He was told by others around the station that the train was approaching. Apparently, he didn’t hear it… . He stepped in front of the train and lost his life.”

Forty-two people have died in car and pedestrian collisions with Blue Line trains since the service began in 1990, including eight this year.