Also:
Showing posts with label Blue Line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Line. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
September 12, 2008 - a Day of Rail Tragedies in Southern California
On the same day as the historic Metrolink accidents in Chatsworth between a commuter train and freight train that's left 26 dead and 135 injured, and a commuter train-car accident in Corona that left a woman dead, the Blue Line struck a pedestrian at the Vernon Station.
Apparently the incident was overlooked, as the only references on the web can be found on blogs.
Apparently the incident was overlooked, as the only references on the web can be found on blogs.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Blue Line Hits Car at Olive St
Compact Car Hits Blue Line Train Near Downtown L.A.
The car's driver suffers minor injuries but no train passengers are hurt. Blue Line service is delayed about 20 minutes.
Los Angeles Times
By Francisco Vara-Orta
June 24, 2008
One motorist suffered minor injuries after her car struck a Blue Line train near downtown this morning, causing minimal delays, officials said.
The incident occurred about 6:40 a.m. at 219 W. Washington Blvd., near Olive Street, when the driver turned in front of the train in her compact sedan, said d'Lisa Davies, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman.
There were no injuries to the passengers on the three-car train, which was en route to downtown from Long Beach. The collision took place near the Blue Line's Grand Avenue station. The motorist was transported to California Hospital Medical Center with minor injuries, Davies said.
The incident caused about a 20-minute delay but service had resumed by 7:15 a.m., Metro spokeswoman Gayle Anderson said.
The Blue Line train involved in the incident was cleared from the scene, and moved to an off-track area at 7th Street/Metro Center for further examination by mechanics. Passengers were allowed to board the next train, Anderson said.
Also:
The car's driver suffers minor injuries but no train passengers are hurt. Blue Line service is delayed about 20 minutes.
Los Angeles Times
By Francisco Vara-Orta
June 24, 2008
One motorist suffered minor injuries after her car struck a Blue Line train near downtown this morning, causing minimal delays, officials said.
The incident occurred about 6:40 a.m. at 219 W. Washington Blvd., near Olive Street, when the driver turned in front of the train in her compact sedan, said d'Lisa Davies, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman.
There were no injuries to the passengers on the three-car train, which was en route to downtown from Long Beach. The collision took place near the Blue Line's Grand Avenue station. The motorist was transported to California Hospital Medical Center with minor injuries, Davies said.
The incident caused about a 20-minute delay but service had resumed by 7:15 a.m., Metro spokeswoman Gayle Anderson said.
The Blue Line train involved in the incident was cleared from the scene, and moved to an off-track area at 7th Street/Metro Center for further examination by mechanics. Passengers were allowed to board the next train, Anderson said.
Also:
- Reported on LAFD-Alert
Friday, June 20, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Blue Line Kills Elder & Critically Injures Teenager on Same Day in Separate Accidents
L.B. Woman, 75, Dies After Her Car Struck by Blue Line Train
Long Beach Press-Telegram
Kelly Puente
April 7, 2008
LONG BEACH - A 75-year-old Long Beach woman was killed in a car accident on Monday after she allegedly made an illegal left-hand turn in her vehicle and collided with a Metro Blue Line train. The woman was driving southbound on Long Beach Boulevard at about 1:15 p.m. when she attempted to make an illegal left-hand turn onto Third Street, which is a one-way street, said Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Nancy Pratt.
A train heading south on the boulevard plowed into the driver's side of her green Toyota sedan. Pratt said the woman suffered major internal injuries from the impact. Capt. Mike DuRee of the Long Beach Fire Department said the victim was unconscious and having trouble breathing when paramedics arrived. She was transported to St. Mary Medical Center, where she died a short time later. Her name was released Monday pending notification of family.
Witnesses said it looked as if the woman had not been paying attention. "I was standing on the corner (of Long Beach Boulevard and Third) talking on my phone when I heard the bang," said witness Andreas Hernandez. "You could feel the force of the impact through the air."
Authorities had closed off Long Beach Boulevard from Broadway to Fourth Street as they investigated the accident scene and passengers on the train were being let off. Signal Hill resident Belinda Maxin was on the train when she felt the the conductor slam on the brakes suddenly. Maxin, like many passengers, had to walk the rest of the way to the bus and train stations on First Street.
The incident was the second involving a Metro train on Monday. A young man apparently struck by a Metro Blue Line train south of downtown Los Angeles was taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said. Paramedics sent to Grand Avenue and Washington Boulevard about 8:30 a.m. found the man lying next to the train, which had stopped, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The man was treated for head, arm and pelvis injuries, Humphrey said.
kelly.puente@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1305. City News Service contributed to this report.
Also:
Long Beach Press-Telegram
Kelly Puente
April 7, 2008
LONG BEACH - A 75-year-old Long Beach woman was killed in a car accident on Monday after she allegedly made an illegal left-hand turn in her vehicle and collided with a Metro Blue Line train. The woman was driving southbound on Long Beach Boulevard at about 1:15 p.m. when she attempted to make an illegal left-hand turn onto Third Street, which is a one-way street, said Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Nancy Pratt.
A train heading south on the boulevard plowed into the driver's side of her green Toyota sedan. Pratt said the woman suffered major internal injuries from the impact. Capt. Mike DuRee of the Long Beach Fire Department said the victim was unconscious and having trouble breathing when paramedics arrived. She was transported to St. Mary Medical Center, where she died a short time later. Her name was released Monday pending notification of family.
Witnesses said it looked as if the woman had not been paying attention. "I was standing on the corner (of Long Beach Boulevard and Third) talking on my phone when I heard the bang," said witness Andreas Hernandez. "You could feel the force of the impact through the air."
Authorities had closed off Long Beach Boulevard from Broadway to Fourth Street as they investigated the accident scene and passengers on the train were being let off. Signal Hill resident Belinda Maxin was on the train when she felt the the conductor slam on the brakes suddenly. Maxin, like many passengers, had to walk the rest of the way to the bus and train stations on First Street.
The incident was the second involving a Metro train on Monday. A young man apparently struck by a Metro Blue Line train south of downtown Los Angeles was taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said. Paramedics sent to Grand Avenue and Washington Boulevard about 8:30 a.m. found the man lying next to the train, which had stopped, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department. The man was treated for head, arm and pelvis injuries, Humphrey said.
kelly.puente@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1305. City News Service contributed to this report.
Also:
- LAist reports the young man critically injured a 19-year old Trade Tech student
Friday, January 11, 2008
Blue Line Hits Taxi Injures Two at Hooper
2 Injured After Taxi Collides With Blue Line Train
KCBS-TV
January 11, 2008
LOS ANGELES ― Two people in a taxi were injured in a collision with a Metro Blue Line train Friday night, a fire department official said.
The train collided with a taxi at Washington Boulevard near Hooper Avenue around 9:30 p.m., said d'Lisa Davies of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The victims were treated at the scene of the collision for what were described as minor injuries, Davies said.
No one aboard the train was injured.
Also:
KCBS-TV
January 11, 2008
LOS ANGELES ― Two people in a taxi were injured in a collision with a Metro Blue Line train Friday night, a fire department official said.
The train collided with a taxi at Washington Boulevard near Hooper Avenue around 9:30 p.m., said d'Lisa Davies of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The victims were treated at the scene of the collision for what were described as minor injuries, Davies said.
No one aboard the train was injured.
Also:
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Blue Line Hits Pedestrian at Wardlow Station
Metro Train Hits Pedestrian In Long Beach
KCBS-TV
December 27, 2007
LONG BEACH ― A pedestrian crossing a walkway at a Metro station in Long Beach was injured by a Metro Blue Line train Thursday, authorities said.
The accident occurred at the Wardlow Station, near Pacific Place, at 7:44 a.m., Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman Gayle Anderson said.
A male pedestrian was hit by a train traveling southbound while crossing a walkway, she said.
It was not immediately clear what injuries he suffered but "he was alert when being transported by paramedics to a hospital," Anderson said.
The accident caused service to be delayed for eight minutes, she said.
Also:
Pedestrian struck by Metro train
Long Beach Press-Telegram
By Karen Robes
December 27, 2007
LONG BEACH - A pedestrian was hit by a Metro Blue Line train while crossing a walkway Thursday, authorities said.
A man in his 30s was walking at the Wardlow Station near Pacific Place at 7:44 a.m. when he was struck by a train headed south to Willow, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman Gayle Anderson.
Authorities did not know the man's name, but said he was alert when he was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Anderson said the man complained about pain in his left hip.
No one else was injured in the accident, which caused an eight-minute delay in service, she said.
The 30 or so people who were on the train at the time of the accident were delayed 30 minutes to be interviewed by authorities, Anderson said.
The last pedestrian-related accident at Wardlow Station was reported in February 2000, she said, adding that the accident did not result in a fatality.
KCBS-TV
December 27, 2007
LONG BEACH ― A pedestrian crossing a walkway at a Metro station in Long Beach was injured by a Metro Blue Line train Thursday, authorities said.
The accident occurred at the Wardlow Station, near Pacific Place, at 7:44 a.m., Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman Gayle Anderson said.
A male pedestrian was hit by a train traveling southbound while crossing a walkway, she said.
It was not immediately clear what injuries he suffered but "he was alert when being transported by paramedics to a hospital," Anderson said.
The accident caused service to be delayed for eight minutes, she said.
Also:
Pedestrian struck by Metro train
Long Beach Press-Telegram
By Karen Robes
December 27, 2007
LONG BEACH - A pedestrian was hit by a Metro Blue Line train while crossing a walkway Thursday, authorities said.
A man in his 30s was walking at the Wardlow Station near Pacific Place at 7:44 a.m. when he was struck by a train headed south to Willow, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman Gayle Anderson.
Authorities did not know the man's name, but said he was alert when he was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Anderson said the man complained about pain in his left hip.
No one else was injured in the accident, which caused an eight-minute delay in service, she said.
The 30 or so people who were on the train at the time of the accident were delayed 30 minutes to be interviewed by authorities, Anderson said.
The last pedestrian-related accident at Wardlow Station was reported in February 2000, she said, adding that the accident did not result in a fatality.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Man Trips and is Killed by Blue Line at Hill Street
Man Dies Trying To Outrun Blue Line Train
KCBS-TV
November 27, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A man who ran across the tracks, apparently trying to beat an oncoming Blue Line train, tripped and fell and was run over, the fire department reported.
The man, believed to be in his 50s, died at the scene of the 5:48 p.m. accident at Hill Street and Broadway, said d'Lisa Davies of the city fire department.
He was not immediately identified.
Davies said authorities hoped to have the train moved out of the intersection soon so other trains could resume their regular schedules.
KCBS-TV
November 27, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A man who ran across the tracks, apparently trying to beat an oncoming Blue Line train, tripped and fell and was run over, the fire department reported.
The man, believed to be in his 50s, died at the scene of the 5:48 p.m. accident at Hill Street and Broadway, said d'Lisa Davies of the city fire department.
He was not immediately identified.
Davies said authorities hoped to have the train moved out of the intersection soon so other trains could resume their regular schedules.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Minutes After Killing in Downtown Blue Line Takes Another
Man, 27, Killed By Metro Blue Line Train
KCBS-TV
November 27, 2007
FLORENCE, Calif. ― A 27-year-old man who climbed over a fence onto Metro Blue Line tracks was fatally struck by a southbound train, authorities said.
The accident occurred at 6:13 p.m. Monday, north of the Florence Station just south of Gage Avenue in unincorporated Florence, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority Senior Communications Representative Rick Jager.
The area was fenced, but the man climbed over the fence, he said.
Trains were still running "because we are able to single track through the area," Jager said.
The man's body was still on scene, awaiting the arrival of representatives of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, he said.
KCBS-TV
November 27, 2007
FLORENCE, Calif. ― A 27-year-old man who climbed over a fence onto Metro Blue Line tracks was fatally struck by a southbound train, authorities said.
The accident occurred at 6:13 p.m. Monday, north of the Florence Station just south of Gage Avenue in unincorporated Florence, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority Senior Communications Representative Rick Jager.
The area was fenced, but the man climbed over the fence, he said.
Trains were still running "because we are able to single track through the area," Jager said.
The man's body was still on scene, awaiting the arrival of representatives of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, he said.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Blue Line Hits Car & Injures 4 in Downtown LA
4 Injured When Metro Blue Line Train, Car Collide
KCBS-TV
September 17, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― Four people suffered minor injuries Monday when a vehicle and a Metro Blue Line train collided near downtown Los Angeles, officials said.
Paramedics were sent to Flower Street and Washington Boulevard at 11:10 a.m., Diana Igawa of the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
No one on the train was injured, Igawa said.
The circumstances of the collision were under investigation.
KCBS-TV
September 17, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― Four people suffered minor injuries Monday when a vehicle and a Metro Blue Line train collided near downtown Los Angeles, officials said.
Paramedics were sent to Flower Street and Washington Boulevard at 11:10 a.m., Diana Igawa of the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
No one on the train was injured, Igawa said.
The circumstances of the collision were under investigation.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Blue Line Hits Truck and Injures 6 in Downtown LA
6 Injured When Truck, Blue Line Train Collide
KCBS-TV
August 27, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― Six people were injured when a truck and a Metro Blue Line train collided south of downtown late Monday, affecting rail travel between Los Angeles and Long Beach, authorities said.
The accident took place at 5:26 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Helen Gilstrap.
At least three people were taken to medical centers, he said, but an MTA official described their injuries as minor.
Rail travel between Los Angeles and Long Beach was affected by the collision, Gilstrap said. A bus bridge will be established between the Grand Avenue and San Pedro Street stations, she said.
Gilstrap said it was unclear how long the service would be interrupted.
KCBS-TV
August 27, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― Six people were injured when a truck and a Metro Blue Line train collided south of downtown late Monday, affecting rail travel between Los Angeles and Long Beach, authorities said.
The accident took place at 5:26 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Helen Gilstrap.
At least three people were taken to medical centers, he said, but an MTA official described their injuries as minor.
Rail travel between Los Angeles and Long Beach was affected by the collision, Gilstrap said. A bus bridge will be established between the Grand Avenue and San Pedro Street stations, she said.
Gilstrap said it was unclear how long the service would be interrupted.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Blue Line Hits Pick-Up at 12th/Flower
Motorist Injured In Collision With Metro Train
KCBS-TV
July 18, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A motorist was slightly injured Wednesday in a collision between a pickup truck and a Metro Blue Line train in downtown Los Angeles, authorities said.
The accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. at Flower and 12th streets, said Los Angeles police Officer Sara Faden.
No one was hurt on the train, which stopped at the location. The driver of the pickup was taken to a hospital for treat
KCBS-TV
July 18, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A motorist was slightly injured Wednesday in a collision between a pickup truck and a Metro Blue Line train in downtown Los Angeles, authorities said.
The accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. at Flower and 12th streets, said Los Angeles police Officer Sara Faden.
No one was hurt on the train, which stopped at the location. The driver of the pickup was taken to a hospital for treat
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Blue Line Injures Elderly Motorist at Venice
Man, 71, Injured When Car, Blue Line Train Collide
KCBS-TV
June 14, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A Metro Blue Line train and a vehicle collided Thursday near downtown Los Angeles, slightly injuring the 71-year-old man driving the vehicle, according to a fire official.
The collision was reported at 8:38 a.m. near Venice Boulevard and South Flower Street, according to Ron Myers of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The driver of the vehicle was treated at the scene for minor arm pains, Myers said.
KCBS-TV
June 14, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A Metro Blue Line train and a vehicle collided Thursday near downtown Los Angeles, slightly injuring the 71-year-old man driving the vehicle, according to a fire official.
The collision was reported at 8:38 a.m. near Venice Boulevard and South Flower Street, according to Ron Myers of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The driver of the vehicle was treated at the scene for minor arm pains, Myers said.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Blue Line Kills 20 year old on Washington Blvd
Blue Line Train Involved in Fatality
20-year-old Female Run Over
KABC-TV
April 14, 2007
LOS ANGELES - A young woman was fatally run over by a Blue Line train on the south side of downtown Saturday, a fire official said.
Paramedics were sent to the 1800 block of South San Pedro Street at 12:28 p.m., said Los Angeles city fire spokesperson d'Lisa Davies.
The Long Beach-bound light-rail train was unable to stop before striking 20-year-old Maxmiliana Gomez. The Blue Line driver stated that a group of three -- two males and Gomez -- attempted to run across the tracks in front of the train. The young woman was unsuccessful in her attempt and she was declared dead at the scene.
"Maxi Force Airbags" were used to extricate the body from underneath the train, which took an hour.
The accident delayed service on the downtown-to-Long-Beach line.
20-year-old Female Run Over
KABC-TV
April 14, 2007
LOS ANGELES - A young woman was fatally run over by a Blue Line train on the south side of downtown Saturday, a fire official said.
Paramedics were sent to the 1800 block of South San Pedro Street at 12:28 p.m., said Los Angeles city fire spokesperson d'Lisa Davies.
The Long Beach-bound light-rail train was unable to stop before striking 20-year-old Maxmiliana Gomez. The Blue Line driver stated that a group of three -- two males and Gomez -- attempted to run across the tracks in front of the train. The young woman was unsuccessful in her attempt and she was declared dead at the scene.
"Maxi Force Airbags" were used to extricate the body from underneath the train, which took an hour.
The accident delayed service on the downtown-to-Long-Beach line.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Blue Line Totals SUV in Long Beach
Blue Line collides with SUV
Long Beach Press-Telegram
By Tomio Geron
April 13, 2007
An SUV traveling southbound on Long Beach Boulevard made a wrong-way turn onto Seventh Street in front of a Metro train, which totaled the SUV and resulted in severe damage to the front of the train. A passenger in the SUV was treated at the scene.
The accident occurred when the driver of a silver Ford Expedition traveling southbound on Long Beach Boulevard made a wrong turn heading east onto westbound Seventh Street.
The southbound train, with about 75 passengers aboard, struck the SUV and dragged it a short distance through the intersection before stopping.
The driver of the SUV was uninjured, but was taken to a hospital as a precaution, said Will Nash, a Long Beach Fire Department spokesman.
A passenger in the vehicle was treated and released at the scene.
There were no injuries reported among the train riders, said Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo.
Long Beach Boulevard was closed to traffic for several hours between Sixth and Eighth streets while emergency crews responded to the scene and removed the SUV, which was stuck to the front of the train.
The Blue Line was diverted around the damaged train and continued to operate in both directions. Ubaldo said the damaged train would be taken to a yard to be inspected or repaired. Nash said he did not know why the driver tried to make the illegal turn.
The SUV had Pennsylvania license plates, Nash said.
Trenton Barnett, 31, of Long Beach, was eating breakfast in a McDonald's restaurant that is directly in front of where the accident occurred.
"I heard screaming, then I saw the train was dragging the truck to a complete stop," Barnett said.
Long Beach Press-Telegram
By Tomio Geron
April 13, 2007
An SUV traveling southbound on Long Beach Boulevard made a wrong-way turn onto Seventh Street in front of a Metro train, which totaled the SUV and resulted in severe damage to the front of the train. A passenger in the SUV was treated at the scene.
The accident occurred when the driver of a silver Ford Expedition traveling southbound on Long Beach Boulevard made a wrong turn heading east onto westbound Seventh Street.
The southbound train, with about 75 passengers aboard, struck the SUV and dragged it a short distance through the intersection before stopping.
The driver of the SUV was uninjured, but was taken to a hospital as a precaution, said Will Nash, a Long Beach Fire Department spokesman.
A passenger in the vehicle was treated and released at the scene.
There were no injuries reported among the train riders, said Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo.
Long Beach Boulevard was closed to traffic for several hours between Sixth and Eighth streets while emergency crews responded to the scene and removed the SUV, which was stuck to the front of the train.
The Blue Line was diverted around the damaged train and continued to operate in both directions. Ubaldo said the damaged train would be taken to a yard to be inspected or repaired. Nash said he did not know why the driver tried to make the illegal turn.
The SUV had Pennsylvania license plates, Nash said.
Trenton Barnett, 31, of Long Beach, was eating breakfast in a McDonald's restaurant that is directly in front of where the accident occurred.
"I heard screaming, then I saw the train was dragging the truck to a complete stop," Barnett said.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Blue Line Hits Woman in Compton
Woman Dashes Across Tracks, Hit By Blue Line Train
KCBS-TV
March 2, 2007
COMPTON, Calif. ― A woman who was struck by a Metro Blue Line train in Compton was hospitalized in good condition, a sheriff's sergeant said.
The accident occurred about 10:50 p.m. Thursday at the Alondra Boulevard grade crossing, said Sgt. Judson Doyle of the sheriff's Compton station.
"According to eyewitnesses, she just appeared to be in a hurry," he said. "Luckily, the train just barely clipped her."
The woman was taken to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center to be treated for what Doyle described as minor leg injuries.
The woman was crossing from east to west when she was struck by a southbound train, he said. The grade crossing is controlled by flashing lights and barrier arms.
It was unclear if the woman would be cited in connection with the accident, pending the outcome an investigation, Doyle said.
KCBS-TV
March 2, 2007
COMPTON, Calif. ― A woman who was struck by a Metro Blue Line train in Compton was hospitalized in good condition, a sheriff's sergeant said.
The accident occurred about 10:50 p.m. Thursday at the Alondra Boulevard grade crossing, said Sgt. Judson Doyle of the sheriff's Compton station.
"According to eyewitnesses, she just appeared to be in a hurry," he said. "Luckily, the train just barely clipped her."
The woman was taken to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center to be treated for what Doyle described as minor leg injuries.
The woman was crossing from east to west when she was struck by a southbound train, he said. The grade crossing is controlled by flashing lights and barrier arms.
It was unclear if the woman would be cited in connection with the accident, pending the outcome an investigation, Doyle said.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Man Hit by Blue Line Fighting for His Life
Man struck, killed by Metro train
Los Angeles Times
February 05, 2007
A man died Sunday after stepping in front of a Metro Blue Line commuter train in South Los Angeles.
The unidentified man, described as about 45 years old, appeared to intentionally move into the path of the northbound train as it approached 48th Place near Long Beach Avenue, police said. Witnesses said the man was walking near the tracks about 4:30 p.m. when he ducked under a guardrail and stood on the tracks, facing the train, according to LAPD Officer Martha Garcia.
Rescuers got the victim out from under the train. He had suffered massive head injuries, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. The man died at County-USC Medical Center. The 57-year-old train operator complained of illness and was treated at the scene. No passengers were hurt.
Rescuers Extricate Man From Underneath Train Victim Reportedly In Critical Condition
KCBS-TV
February 4, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A man who was hit by a Metro Blue Line train and got stuck beneath it in South Los Angeles Sunday was fighting for his life, a fire official said.
The man was reported underneath the northbound train at 4:39 p.m. on Long Beach Avenue at East 48th Place, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Paramedics extricated the man, who was not under any wheels. The man, who appeared to be about 45 years old, was then taken to County-USC Medical Center in very critical condition with injuries that included severe head trauma, Humphrey said.
No one on board the train was injured, but the 57-year-old train operator asked for medical assessment, he said.
It was not immediately known how the man got underneath the train.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the sheriff's department were investigating.
Man Struck by Blue Line Train
KABC-TV
February 4, 2007
LOS ANGELES -- A man who was hit by a Metro Blue Line train and got stuck beneath it in South Los Angeles Sunday was fighting for his life, a fire official said.
The man was reported underneath the northbound train at 4:39 p.m. on Long Beach Avenue at East 48th Place, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Paramedics extricated the man, who was not under any wheels.
The man, who appeared to be about 45 years old, was then taken to County- USC Medical Center in very critical condition with injuries that included severe head trauma, Humphrey said.
No one on board the train was injured, but the 57-year-old train operator asked for medical assessment, he said.
It was not immediately known how the man got underneath the train.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the sheriff's department were investigating.
Also:
Los Angeles Times
February 05, 2007
A man died Sunday after stepping in front of a Metro Blue Line commuter train in South Los Angeles.
The unidentified man, described as about 45 years old, appeared to intentionally move into the path of the northbound train as it approached 48th Place near Long Beach Avenue, police said. Witnesses said the man was walking near the tracks about 4:30 p.m. when he ducked under a guardrail and stood on the tracks, facing the train, according to LAPD Officer Martha Garcia.
Rescuers got the victim out from under the train. He had suffered massive head injuries, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. The man died at County-USC Medical Center. The 57-year-old train operator complained of illness and was treated at the scene. No passengers were hurt.
Rescuers Extricate Man From Underneath Train Victim Reportedly In Critical Condition
KCBS-TV
February 4, 2007
LOS ANGELES ― A man who was hit by a Metro Blue Line train and got stuck beneath it in South Los Angeles Sunday was fighting for his life, a fire official said.
The man was reported underneath the northbound train at 4:39 p.m. on Long Beach Avenue at East 48th Place, according to Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Paramedics extricated the man, who was not under any wheels. The man, who appeared to be about 45 years old, was then taken to County-USC Medical Center in very critical condition with injuries that included severe head trauma, Humphrey said.
No one on board the train was injured, but the 57-year-old train operator asked for medical assessment, he said.
It was not immediately known how the man got underneath the train.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the sheriff's department were investigating.
Man Struck by Blue Line Train
KABC-TV
February 4, 2007
LOS ANGELES -- A man who was hit by a Metro Blue Line train and got stuck beneath it in South Los Angeles Sunday was fighting for his life, a fire official said.
The man was reported underneath the northbound train at 4:39 p.m. on Long Beach Avenue at East 48th Place, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Paramedics extricated the man, who was not under any wheels.
The man, who appeared to be about 45 years old, was then taken to County- USC Medical Center in very critical condition with injuries that included severe head trauma, Humphrey said.
No one on board the train was injured, but the 57-year-old train operator asked for medical assessment, he said.
It was not immediately known how the man got underneath the train.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the sheriff's department were investigating.
Also:
- LAFD_Alerts man had severe head trauma
Thursday, January 25, 2007
14 Year Old Boy Killed by Blue Line Carrying His Own Sister
Boy, 14, killed by train is mourned
Los Angeles Times
By Angie Green
January 27, 2007
A day after 14-year-old Lavert Baker Jr. lost his life after being struck by a Metro Blue Line commuter train, his family members grappled with whether his loss could have been avoided.
“He was my heart,” his father, Lavert Baker Sr., said Friday. “I lost a big part of my heart yesterday.”
The teenager was hit Thursday afternoon in Watts as he walked home from school. Witnesses said he was in the middle of the train tracks when warning lights started blinking and the guard gates lowered. A spokesperson for the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the train, said an investigation is underway.
By chance, Lavert’s 15-year-old sister, Moneisha, was a passenger on the train but did not learn that it was her brother who had been struck until she arrived at a relative’s home in East Los Angeles. Of 13 siblings, Lavert and Moneisha shared a special bond because of their closeness in age, the elder Baker said.
“The two were like this,” he said, holding his index and middle fingers together.
Lavert, an eighth-grader at Charles R. Drew Middle School, was crossing the four-lane tracks at the intersection of East 92nd Street and Graham Avenue when, his father said, he was “blindsided.” Baker said witnesses told him the guard gates were up before his son entered the train right-of-way about 3:45 p.m.
Earlier reports said he was riding a scooter, but an eyewitness said the scooter was brought to the scene by another neighbor boy after the accident.
Blanca Mendoza, 37, was heading east on 92nd Street and saw Baker standing in the middle of the four-lane tracks that run south and north. Mendoza said Friday in an interview that there was no scooter near him.
“He was in the middle when the lights started blinking and the arms went down,” she said. She heard the train’s horn three times and saw the train slow as it approached the boy, who turned to look just before the train hit him.
The teenager took the same route every day, his father said. The elder Baker was at his home less than a mile from the crossing when Mendoza and another resident rushed to tell him about the accident.
Baker, 51, found his son on the ground as a crowd began to gather. He rushed to his side and held him despite officials’ asking him to step aside. Lavert was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood and was pronounced dead at 4:11 p.m., said Lt. David Smith of the L.A. County coroner’s office.
The younger Baker, who was nicknamed “Vert Vert,” was described as “comical” by his mother, Marvella Graves, and “full of joy” by his father.
At the accident scene, Lavert’s father set up memorial candles in the shape of a “V” Thursday night.
Friends and family on Friday described Lavert as a well-liked and ambitious teen who was a video game fanatic and liked to play football and basketball. He wanted to be an electrician and go to college.
“He always showed me he wanted to go to college,” Baker said. “He would say, ‘You just watch, Dad, I’m going to be the first one.’ ”
A constant stream of friends and family members stopped by the Grape Street residence Friday to offer their condolences.
To help raise funds for memorial services, the 92nd Street Elementary School is holding a car wash today from 9 a.m. to noon. On Friday afternoon, students held posters they made with colored markers advertising the event.
Lavert was the second fatality this month involving a Metro Blue Line commuter train. On Jan. 5, a male was struck by a train in the Long Beach area, said Helen Gilstrap, an MTA spokeswoman.
The Metro Blue Line, L.A.’s first light-rail transit system, runs from 7th Street in downtown L.A. through Vernon, Huntington Park, South Gate, Watts, Compton and Carson to downtown Long Beach. It carries about 63,000 passengers daily and has a 55 mph maximum allowable speed.
From June 2005 to June 2006, 27 people were injured and five were killed in Blue Line accidents, Gilstrap said. The commuter trains run every five minutes from 3 to 7 p.m. at the intersection where Lavert was struck.
Gilstrap said the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the MTA are investigating Lavert’s death. She could not answer specific questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“Everything is under investigation at this time,” Gilstrap said. “The results will take two weeks to give you a definitive answer.”
angie.green@latimes.com
Also:
Los Angeles Times
By Angie Green
January 27, 2007
A day after 14-year-old Lavert Baker Jr. lost his life after being struck by a Metro Blue Line commuter train, his family members grappled with whether his loss could have been avoided.
“He was my heart,” his father, Lavert Baker Sr., said Friday. “I lost a big part of my heart yesterday.”
The teenager was hit Thursday afternoon in Watts as he walked home from school. Witnesses said he was in the middle of the train tracks when warning lights started blinking and the guard gates lowered. A spokesperson for the L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the train, said an investigation is underway.
By chance, Lavert’s 15-year-old sister, Moneisha, was a passenger on the train but did not learn that it was her brother who had been struck until she arrived at a relative’s home in East Los Angeles. Of 13 siblings, Lavert and Moneisha shared a special bond because of their closeness in age, the elder Baker said.
“The two were like this,” he said, holding his index and middle fingers together.
Lavert, an eighth-grader at Charles R. Drew Middle School, was crossing the four-lane tracks at the intersection of East 92nd Street and Graham Avenue when, his father said, he was “blindsided.” Baker said witnesses told him the guard gates were up before his son entered the train right-of-way about 3:45 p.m.
Earlier reports said he was riding a scooter, but an eyewitness said the scooter was brought to the scene by another neighbor boy after the accident.
Blanca Mendoza, 37, was heading east on 92nd Street and saw Baker standing in the middle of the four-lane tracks that run south and north. Mendoza said Friday in an interview that there was no scooter near him.
“He was in the middle when the lights started blinking and the arms went down,” she said. She heard the train’s horn three times and saw the train slow as it approached the boy, who turned to look just before the train hit him.
The teenager took the same route every day, his father said. The elder Baker was at his home less than a mile from the crossing when Mendoza and another resident rushed to tell him about the accident.
Baker, 51, found his son on the ground as a crowd began to gather. He rushed to his side and held him despite officials’ asking him to step aside. Lavert was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood and was pronounced dead at 4:11 p.m., said Lt. David Smith of the L.A. County coroner’s office.
The younger Baker, who was nicknamed “Vert Vert,” was described as “comical” by his mother, Marvella Graves, and “full of joy” by his father.
At the accident scene, Lavert’s father set up memorial candles in the shape of a “V” Thursday night.
Friends and family on Friday described Lavert as a well-liked and ambitious teen who was a video game fanatic and liked to play football and basketball. He wanted to be an electrician and go to college.
“He always showed me he wanted to go to college,” Baker said. “He would say, ‘You just watch, Dad, I’m going to be the first one.’ ”
A constant stream of friends and family members stopped by the Grape Street residence Friday to offer their condolences.
To help raise funds for memorial services, the 92nd Street Elementary School is holding a car wash today from 9 a.m. to noon. On Friday afternoon, students held posters they made with colored markers advertising the event.
Lavert was the second fatality this month involving a Metro Blue Line commuter train. On Jan. 5, a male was struck by a train in the Long Beach area, said Helen Gilstrap, an MTA spokeswoman.
The Metro Blue Line, L.A.’s first light-rail transit system, runs from 7th Street in downtown L.A. through Vernon, Huntington Park, South Gate, Watts, Compton and Carson to downtown Long Beach. It carries about 63,000 passengers daily and has a 55 mph maximum allowable speed.
From June 2005 to June 2006, 27 people were injured and five were killed in Blue Line accidents, Gilstrap said. The commuter trains run every five minutes from 3 to 7 p.m. at the intersection where Lavert was struck.
Gilstrap said the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the MTA are investigating Lavert’s death. She could not answer specific questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“Everything is under investigation at this time,” Gilstrap said. “The results will take two weeks to give you a definitive answer.”
angie.green@latimes.com
Also:
Friday, January 5, 2007
Man Killed by Blue Line in North Long Beach
Man hit, killed by commuter train
Los Angeles Times
January 06, 2007
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a Blue Line commuter train Friday afternoon, a transit official said.
The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. as the southbound train approached Spring Street at Del Mar Avenue, said Helen Gilstrap, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The male victim was not identified.
The Blue Line was closed for more than two hours while police investigated the incident.
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Train In Long Beach
KCBS-TV
January 5, 2007
LONG BEACH, Calif. ― A pedestrian was fatally struck by a southbound Metro Blue Line train in Long Beach late Friday.
The collision happened at 4:35 p.m. at Spring Street and Del Mar Avenue, MTA spokeswoman Helen Gilstrap said.
Kenneth W. Strong, 57, walked in front of the train, said Gilstrap.
Gilstrap said the MTA established a bus "bridge" between Willow and Wardlow Road to take the passengers to their destinations.
"People will not be stranded," Gilstrap said, although delays of two to three hours were expected.
Los Angeles Times
January 06, 2007
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a Blue Line commuter train Friday afternoon, a transit official said.
The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. as the southbound train approached Spring Street at Del Mar Avenue, said Helen Gilstrap, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The male victim was not identified.
The Blue Line was closed for more than two hours while police investigated the incident.
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Train In Long Beach
KCBS-TV
January 5, 2007
LONG BEACH, Calif. ― A pedestrian was fatally struck by a southbound Metro Blue Line train in Long Beach late Friday.
The collision happened at 4:35 p.m. at Spring Street and Del Mar Avenue, MTA spokeswoman Helen Gilstrap said.
Kenneth W. Strong, 57, walked in front of the train, said Gilstrap.
Gilstrap said the MTA established a bus "bridge" between Willow and Wardlow Road to take the passengers to their destinations.
"People will not be stranded," Gilstrap said, although delays of two to three hours were expected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)