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Showing posts with label fatality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fatality. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 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
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Monday, November 6, 2006
Blue Line Kills Man at Vernon Station
Man Killed By MTA Blue Line Train
KCBS-TV (with footage)
November 7, 2006
LOS ANGELES ― A Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train struck and killed a man on Monday night. According to police, he was trying to outrun the train.
A southbound train struck the 31-year-old man at 8:41 p.m. at the Vernon Avenue station at Long Beach Avenue, said Lt. Jason Lum of the sheriff's Transit Bureau.
Witnesses said that the man ran around the lowered arms of a crossing guard in an attempt to reach the other side before the train arrived, said Sgt. Jerry Moya of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division.
"He tried to beat the train," Moya said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
The train struck the man as it was slowing down, according to Gayle Anderson of the MTA. It was not clear how fast this particular train had been going at the time of the accident.
The Blue Line operated only on one track Monday night for two hours following the accident, Anderson said.
Police: Man Was Killed Trying To Outrun Metro Train
KNBC-TV
November 7, 2006
LOS ANGELES -- A man was killed when he tried to outrun an oncoming Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday.
A southbound train struck the 31-year-old man at 8:41 p.m. Monday at the Vernon Avenue station at Long Beach Avenue, said Lt. Jason Lum of the sheriff's Transit Bureau.
Witnesses told investigators that the man had run around the lowered arms of a crossing guard in an attempt to reach the other side before the train arrived, said Sgt. Jerry Moya of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division.
"He tried to beat the train," Moya said.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
The train, which travels at 50 mph, struck the man as it was in the process of slowing down, said MTA spokeswoman Gayle Anderson. It was not clear how fast this particular train had been going at the time of the accident, she said.
MTA officials shut down the track where the accident occurred for about two hours afterward, Anderson said.
City News Service contributed to this report.
KCBS-TV (with footage)
November 7, 2006
LOS ANGELES ― A Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train struck and killed a man on Monday night. According to police, he was trying to outrun the train.
A southbound train struck the 31-year-old man at 8:41 p.m. at the Vernon Avenue station at Long Beach Avenue, said Lt. Jason Lum of the sheriff's Transit Bureau.
Witnesses said that the man ran around the lowered arms of a crossing guard in an attempt to reach the other side before the train arrived, said Sgt. Jerry Moya of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division.
"He tried to beat the train," Moya said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
The train struck the man as it was slowing down, according to Gayle Anderson of the MTA. It was not clear how fast this particular train had been going at the time of the accident.
The Blue Line operated only on one track Monday night for two hours following the accident, Anderson said.
Police: Man Was Killed Trying To Outrun Metro Train
KNBC-TV
November 7, 2006
LOS ANGELES -- A man was killed when he tried to outrun an oncoming Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday.
A southbound train struck the 31-year-old man at 8:41 p.m. Monday at the Vernon Avenue station at Long Beach Avenue, said Lt. Jason Lum of the sheriff's Transit Bureau.
Witnesses told investigators that the man had run around the lowered arms of a crossing guard in an attempt to reach the other side before the train arrived, said Sgt. Jerry Moya of the LAPD's Central Traffic Division.
"He tried to beat the train," Moya said.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
The train, which travels at 50 mph, struck the man as it was in the process of slowing down, said MTA spokeswoman Gayle Anderson. It was not clear how fast this particular train had been going at the time of the accident, she said.
MTA officials shut down the track where the accident occurred for about two hours afterward, Anderson said.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Blue Line Kills 17 and 27 Year Old and Leaves 7 Year Old in Critical Condition
2 Killed, 2 Injured in Car Hit by Train
Los Angeles Times
By Nancy Cleeland
August 21, 2006
A man and his sister were killed and his 7-year-old son was critically injured Sunday morning when the man turned their car in front of a Blue Line train near downtown Los Angeles and the vehicle was dragged half a block along the tracks, police said.
The siblings’ grandmother, 68, who was in the back seat, was being treated at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center for chest pains, said Det. Josephine Mapson of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The driver was identified as Cesar Herrera, 27, of Los Angeles. His sister, Maria A. Herrera, was 17. Police did not identify the survivors.
Six of the 92 passengers on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority train were treated for minor injuries and released, Mapson said.
Both the car and the train, which runs at street level along the center of Washington Boulevard, were traveling east. The train’s operator told police that he saw a maroon Mazda stopped in the left-turn lane ahead of him at the intersection of Maple Avenue. Just as the train was about to pass, the traffic light turned green for through traffic but the left-turn arrow remained red.
Nevertheless, the Mazda driver turned left in front of the train, and the car was struck and pushed 162 feet east.
Mapson said the driver may have misread the traffic signal, which also has a box with flashing lights indicating an approaching train.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel cut away the roof of the smashed car to remove the boy and his great-grandmother.
“I’ve been here 4 1/2 years and I’ve lost count of the number of accidents I’ve seen with this train,” said fire Battalion Chief Ray Gomez.
2 die when car collides with Blue Line train
Daily Breeze
August 21, 2006
Two people were killed and two other people, including a 7-year- old boy, were critically injured Sunday when the vehicle they were in collided with a Blue Line train in downtown Los Angeles, a fire official said.
The crash was reported at Maple Avenue and Washington Boulevard shortly after 9 a.m., said Brian Ballton of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
A 25-year-old man, who was driving, and his 17-year-old sister, were pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
A 55-year-old woman and the 7-year-old boy were taken to Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center in critical condition, he said.
Witnesses told KABC Channel 7 it appeared the man tried to make a left turn in front of the train.
About 50 people were on the train, and six were taken to hospitals with minor injuries, Ballton said.
According to KCBS Channel 2, it's the third crash involving an MTA Blue Line train in eight days.
On Aug. 13, a Blue Line train collided with a car at Flower Street and Pico Boulevard downtown, injuring the driver of a Honda, his passenger and several rail passengers.
Two days ago, a woman suffered minor injuries when she tried to make a turn in front of a Blue Line train near Flower Street and Venice Boulevard and was struck.
Two Dead, Eight Injured After Car Crashes Into MTA Train
KABC-TV
August 20, 2006
LOS ANGELES - Two people were killed and two others, including a 7- year-old boy, were critically injured Sunday when the vehicle they were in crashed into an MTA Blue Line train, a fire official said.
Of the 50 people on the train which was hit near downtown Los Angeles, six were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries, said Los Angeles City fire spokesperson Brian Ballton.
Fire personnel were dispatched to the scene of the crash in the area of Maple Avenue and Washington Boulevard at 9:03 a.m., Ballton said.
The 40-year-old male driver and the front seat passenger, a 40-year-old woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants, a 55- year-old woman and a 7-year-old boy, were transported to Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center in critical condition.
A description of the vehicle involved in the crash was not immediately available, Ballton said.
Also:
Los Angeles Times
By Nancy Cleeland
August 21, 2006
A man and his sister were killed and his 7-year-old son was critically injured Sunday morning when the man turned their car in front of a Blue Line train near downtown Los Angeles and the vehicle was dragged half a block along the tracks, police said.
The siblings’ grandmother, 68, who was in the back seat, was being treated at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center for chest pains, said Det. Josephine Mapson of the Los Angeles Police Department.
The driver was identified as Cesar Herrera, 27, of Los Angeles. His sister, Maria A. Herrera, was 17. Police did not identify the survivors.
Six of the 92 passengers on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority train were treated for minor injuries and released, Mapson said.
Both the car and the train, which runs at street level along the center of Washington Boulevard, were traveling east. The train’s operator told police that he saw a maroon Mazda stopped in the left-turn lane ahead of him at the intersection of Maple Avenue. Just as the train was about to pass, the traffic light turned green for through traffic but the left-turn arrow remained red.
Nevertheless, the Mazda driver turned left in front of the train, and the car was struck and pushed 162 feet east.
Mapson said the driver may have misread the traffic signal, which also has a box with flashing lights indicating an approaching train.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel cut away the roof of the smashed car to remove the boy and his great-grandmother.
“I’ve been here 4 1/2 years and I’ve lost count of the number of accidents I’ve seen with this train,” said fire Battalion Chief Ray Gomez.
2 die when car collides with Blue Line train
Daily Breeze
August 21, 2006
Two people were killed and two other people, including a 7-year- old boy, were critically injured Sunday when the vehicle they were in collided with a Blue Line train in downtown Los Angeles, a fire official said.
The crash was reported at Maple Avenue and Washington Boulevard shortly after 9 a.m., said Brian Ballton of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
A 25-year-old man, who was driving, and his 17-year-old sister, were pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
A 55-year-old woman and the 7-year-old boy were taken to Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center in critical condition, he said.
Witnesses told KABC Channel 7 it appeared the man tried to make a left turn in front of the train.
About 50 people were on the train, and six were taken to hospitals with minor injuries, Ballton said.
According to KCBS Channel 2, it's the third crash involving an MTA Blue Line train in eight days.
On Aug. 13, a Blue Line train collided with a car at Flower Street and Pico Boulevard downtown, injuring the driver of a Honda, his passenger and several rail passengers.
Two days ago, a woman suffered minor injuries when she tried to make a turn in front of a Blue Line train near Flower Street and Venice Boulevard and was struck.
Two Dead, Eight Injured After Car Crashes Into MTA Train
KABC-TV
August 20, 2006
LOS ANGELES - Two people were killed and two others, including a 7- year-old boy, were critically injured Sunday when the vehicle they were in crashed into an MTA Blue Line train, a fire official said.
Of the 50 people on the train which was hit near downtown Los Angeles, six were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries, said Los Angeles City fire spokesperson Brian Ballton.
Fire personnel were dispatched to the scene of the crash in the area of Maple Avenue and Washington Boulevard at 9:03 a.m., Ballton said.
The 40-year-old male driver and the front seat passenger, a 40-year-old woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants, a 55- year-old woman and a 7-year-old boy, were transported to Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center in critical condition.
A description of the vehicle involved in the crash was not immediately available, Ballton said.
Also:
- Post on the LAFD Blog mentions the 7-year old boy's name is Anthony
- Pictures from the accident are on the LAFD Flickr page
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Blue Line Kills Man at Artesia Station
Man Is Struck, Killed by Blue Line Train
Los Angeles Times
April 05, 2006
A man was killed by a Metro Rail Blue Line train at the Artesia station Tuesday, officials said.
The man, whose name was not released, was walking on or near the tracks about 1 p.m. when he was struck by a southbound train pulling into the station, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said.
The station was closed for more than three hours, delaying commutes by at least 30 minutes.
Los Angeles Times
April 05, 2006
A man was killed by a Metro Rail Blue Line train at the Artesia station Tuesday, officials said.
The man, whose name was not released, was walking on or near the tracks about 1 p.m. when he was struck by a southbound train pulling into the station, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said.
The station was closed for more than three hours, delaying commutes by at least 30 minutes.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Blue Line Kills Man in Compton
Man Killed by Blue Line Train in Compton
Los Angeles Times
July 12, 2005
A fast-moving MTA Blue Line train struck and killed a man as he crossed the tracks Monday in Compton, authorities said.
According to Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Bill Heard, eyewitnesses said the unidentified man waited at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Willowbrook Avenue for a northbound train to pass. He then started across the tracks and was hit by a southbound train, Heard said.
The 6:33 p.m. accident shut down part of the MTA’s most heavily traveled light-rail line, which runs from downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. Buses shuttled passengers between the Compton and Artesia stations.
More than 65 people – both motorists and pedestrians – have been killed by Blue Line trains since the line opened in 1990.
Los Angeles Times
July 12, 2005
A fast-moving MTA Blue Line train struck and killed a man as he crossed the tracks Monday in Compton, authorities said.
According to Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Bill Heard, eyewitnesses said the unidentified man waited at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Willowbrook Avenue for a northbound train to pass. He then started across the tracks and was hit by a southbound train, Heard said.
The 6:33 p.m. accident shut down part of the MTA’s most heavily traveled light-rail line, which runs from downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. Buses shuttled passengers between the Compton and Artesia stations.
More than 65 people – both motorists and pedestrians – have been killed by Blue Line trains since the line opened in 1990.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Blue Line Kills Man at Florence Station
Man Is Killed by MTA Blue Line Train in South L.A.
Los Angeles Times
November 26, 2004
A man was killed Thursday by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, a sheriff's deputy said.
The man was struck about 3 p.m. on tracks near East Florence and Graham avenues, according to Deputy Tania Plunkett.
Sheriff's homicide detectives were investigating the death, Plunkett said. She said the section of light-rail line between Los Angeles and Long Beach was closed after the incident.
The man, whose identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A person waiting near the Florence station platform fainted and was taken to a hospital after seeing the man struck, Plunkett said.
Man Struck, Killed By Train In Los Angeles
Associated Press
November 25, 2004
A man was struck and killed by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority train Thursday, authorities said.
Nobody on the train was hurt.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after the 3 p.m. accident, Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Carlos Lopez said.
His identity was not immediately released.
The train, carrying 400 passengers from downtown to Long Beach, was delayed for about 30 minutes, MTA spokesman Jose Ubaldo said.
The accident was under investigation.
Los Angeles Times
November 26, 2004
A man was killed Thursday by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, a sheriff's deputy said.
The man was struck about 3 p.m. on tracks near East Florence and Graham avenues, according to Deputy Tania Plunkett.
Sheriff's homicide detectives were investigating the death, Plunkett said. She said the section of light-rail line between Los Angeles and Long Beach was closed after the incident.
The man, whose identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A person waiting near the Florence station platform fainted and was taken to a hospital after seeing the man struck, Plunkett said.
Man Struck, Killed By Train In Los Angeles
Associated Press
November 25, 2004
A man was struck and killed by a Metropolitan Transportation Authority train Thursday, authorities said.
Nobody on the train was hurt.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after the 3 p.m. accident, Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputy Carlos Lopez said.
His identity was not immediately released.
The train, carrying 400 passengers from downtown to Long Beach, was delayed for about 30 minutes, MTA spokesman Jose Ubaldo said.
The accident was under investigation.
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Blue Line Kills Woman Pushing Shopping Cart
Pedestrian Is Killed by Train
Los Angeles Times
By Zeke Minaya
September 2, 2004
A 46-year-old woman pushing a cart of empty bottles and cans was struck and killed Wednesday by a Long Beach-bound Blue Line train, authorities said.
The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. as the train approached the Florence station on Graham Avenue, said Jose Ubaldo, a spokesman for the MTA.
All the warning systems indicating an approaching train — including blowing whistles and flashing lights — were working, Ubaldo said.
With a rush-hour crowd gathering at the station, the woman joined a group of people, including her companion, in racing across the tracks in front of the oncoming train, Ubaldo said.
She was struck near the entrance of the platform and died at the scene, Ubaldo said. "She almost made it," Ubaldo said.
Authorities did not release the name of the victim, a transient, pending notification of relatives.
The MTA and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have opened investigations. Service to the station was halted for 30 to 45 minutes, Ubaldo said. The 22-mile Blue Line runs from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.
Including Wednesday's fatality, more than 22 occupants of vehicles and more than 40 pedestrians have been killed along the Blue Line since it began operating in 1990, making it the deadliest of the MTA's four rail routes. The commuter trains sometimes move at up to 55 mph.
Los Angeles Times
By Zeke Minaya
September 2, 2004
A 46-year-old woman pushing a cart of empty bottles and cans was struck and killed Wednesday by a Long Beach-bound Blue Line train, authorities said.
The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. as the train approached the Florence station on Graham Avenue, said Jose Ubaldo, a spokesman for the MTA.
All the warning systems indicating an approaching train — including blowing whistles and flashing lights — were working, Ubaldo said.
With a rush-hour crowd gathering at the station, the woman joined a group of people, including her companion, in racing across the tracks in front of the oncoming train, Ubaldo said.
She was struck near the entrance of the platform and died at the scene, Ubaldo said. "She almost made it," Ubaldo said.
Authorities did not release the name of the victim, a transient, pending notification of relatives.
The MTA and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have opened investigations. Service to the station was halted for 30 to 45 minutes, Ubaldo said. The 22-mile Blue Line runs from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.
Including Wednesday's fatality, more than 22 occupants of vehicles and more than 40 pedestrians have been killed along the Blue Line since it began operating in 1990, making it the deadliest of the MTA's four rail routes. The commuter trains sometimes move at up to 55 mph.
Monday, March 1, 2004
Blue Line Kills Motorist in Watts and Injures 14
MTA Train Hits Car, Killing Woman
Los Angeles Times
By Kevin Pang and Arlene Martinez
March 02, 2004
A motorist turned into the path of an MTA Blue Line train at a Watts intersection Monday, killing one of the car’s occupants and injuring 14 people.
The most seriously injured were traveling in the 2003 Honda Civic, including the 45-year-old driver, who was listed in critical condition at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center. A boy in the back seat sustained minor injuries and was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Nine passengers aboard the train were sent to nearby hospitals for minor neck and back injuries. Three others on the train were treated at the scene. Sara Silvia Tovar, 48, was pronounced dead at the accident site.
Authorities said the car attempted to turn left onto southbound Wilmington Avenue from Willowbrook Avenue about 8 a.m. when the train, traveling about 50 mph, struck the passenger side of the vehicle.
The car then hit an MTA power pole, knocking down one of its support beams.
The car was pushed alongside the rails until it came to rest next to the train, about 200 feet from the site of the collision.
Los Angeles police spokesman Capt. Terry Hara said investigators believe the motorist was at fault because left turns are not allowed onto Wilmington Avenue from Willowbrook Avenue.
“The car wasn’t on the correct side of the street, it was in the middle,” Hara said.
Residents say drivers – as well as pedestrians – are careless while crossing the tracks.
“I’ve seen it so many times
“Once the guard rails come down [drivers] don’t know whether to go back or front.”
Tigerino and other witnesses said he heard the warning sounds of the crossing gate lowering and moments later heard a loud impact.
The 22-mile Blue Line runs from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.
Including Monday’s fatality, 22 occupants of vehicles and 43 pedestrians have been killed along the Blue Line since it began operating in 1990, making it the deadliest of the MTA’s four rail routes.
Ten accidents have occurred at the Wilmington intersection alone, including five fatalities, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Rick Jager.
“The corridor has been particularly difficult for us. There are a lot of different exits and intersections,” Jager said. “We’ve worked with the city to erect more signage.”
Still, there are several other intersections along the route that have recorded significantly more accidents than the Wilmington intersection, including Venice Boulevard with 30 vehicular accidents, San Pedro Street with 23 accidents and 20th Street in Long Beach with 20 accidents.
Before 1990, slow-moving freight trains used the tracks, Jager said, and people may not realize that the Blue Line trains are moving up to 55 mph.
This is the third accident on the Blue Line this year, but the first involving a fatality.
The accident caused disruptions to MTA Blue Line service between the 103rd Street and Imperial/Wilmington stations during the busy Monday morning period. Jager said passengers experienced 30-minute delays when they were bused around the accident scene and transferred to another train.
Los Angeles Times
By Kevin Pang and Arlene Martinez
March 02, 2004
A motorist turned into the path of an MTA Blue Line train at a Watts intersection Monday, killing one of the car’s occupants and injuring 14 people.
The most seriously injured were traveling in the 2003 Honda Civic, including the 45-year-old driver, who was listed in critical condition at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center. A boy in the back seat sustained minor injuries and was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Nine passengers aboard the train were sent to nearby hospitals for minor neck and back injuries. Three others on the train were treated at the scene. Sara Silvia Tovar, 48, was pronounced dead at the accident site.
Authorities said the car attempted to turn left onto southbound Wilmington Avenue from Willowbrook Avenue about 8 a.m. when the train, traveling about 50 mph, struck the passenger side of the vehicle.
The car then hit an MTA power pole, knocking down one of its support beams.
The car was pushed alongside the rails until it came to rest next to the train, about 200 feet from the site of the collision.
Los Angeles police spokesman Capt. Terry Hara said investigators believe the motorist was at fault because left turns are not allowed onto Wilmington Avenue from Willowbrook Avenue.
“The car wasn’t on the correct side of the street, it was in the middle,” Hara said.
Residents say drivers – as well as pedestrians – are careless while crossing the tracks.
“I’ve seen it so many times
“Once the guard rails come down [drivers] don’t know whether to go back or front.”
Tigerino and other witnesses said he heard the warning sounds of the crossing gate lowering and moments later heard a loud impact.
The 22-mile Blue Line runs from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles.
Including Monday’s fatality, 22 occupants of vehicles and 43 pedestrians have been killed along the Blue Line since it began operating in 1990, making it the deadliest of the MTA’s four rail routes.
Ten accidents have occurred at the Wilmington intersection alone, including five fatalities, said Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Rick Jager.
“The corridor has been particularly difficult for us. There are a lot of different exits and intersections,” Jager said. “We’ve worked with the city to erect more signage.”
Still, there are several other intersections along the route that have recorded significantly more accidents than the Wilmington intersection, including Venice Boulevard with 30 vehicular accidents, San Pedro Street with 23 accidents and 20th Street in Long Beach with 20 accidents.
Before 1990, slow-moving freight trains used the tracks, Jager said, and people may not realize that the Blue Line trains are moving up to 55 mph.
This is the third accident on the Blue Line this year, but the first involving a fatality.
The accident caused disruptions to MTA Blue Line service between the 103rd Street and Imperial/Wilmington stations during the busy Monday morning period. Jager said passengers experienced 30-minute delays when they were bused around the accident scene and transferred to another train.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Blue Line Kills 16 Year Old Girl Near San Pedro Station
Blue Line Train Kills Teenager in Crosswalk
Los Angeles Times
By Kurt Streeter
November 23, 2002
A 16-year-old girl was killed Friday when she was struck by a Blue Line train on a street just south of downtown Los Angeles.
The accident raises the death toll to 61 on the light railway since it opened in 1990. The 22-mile line connecting downtown with Long Beach has many stretches that run among cars and pedestrians on busy streets. It has the worst fatal accident rate among light-rail lines in California and is among the deadliest railways in the nation, according to Federal Transit Administration statistics.
Witnesses told police the girl was in a crosswalk when she was hit about 7:30 a.m. by a southbound train near a station platform in the 700 block of East Washington Boulevard, said LAPD Sgt. Kevin Custard.
The witnesses said the girl, whose name was being withheld pending notification of her family, was crossing the street against a pedestrian red-light signal.
“She apparently was rushing across the street, even though she didn’t have a signal to go,” Custard said. “The train hit her and ran her over.”
She was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department officials.
Full service on the Blue Line was stopped for about two hours, an MTA spokesman said.
The Blue Line carries about 62,000 riders daily, making it one of the busiest light-rail lines in the nation.
Los Angeles Times
By Kurt Streeter
November 23, 2002
A 16-year-old girl was killed Friday when she was struck by a Blue Line train on a street just south of downtown Los Angeles.
The accident raises the death toll to 61 on the light railway since it opened in 1990. The 22-mile line connecting downtown with Long Beach has many stretches that run among cars and pedestrians on busy streets. It has the worst fatal accident rate among light-rail lines in California and is among the deadliest railways in the nation, according to Federal Transit Administration statistics.
Witnesses told police the girl was in a crosswalk when she was hit about 7:30 a.m. by a southbound train near a station platform in the 700 block of East Washington Boulevard, said LAPD Sgt. Kevin Custard.
The witnesses said the girl, whose name was being withheld pending notification of her family, was crossing the street against a pedestrian red-light signal.
“She apparently was rushing across the street, even though she didn’t have a signal to go,” Custard said. “The train hit her and ran her over.”
She was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles Fire Department officials.
Full service on the Blue Line was stopped for about two hours, an MTA spokesman said.
The Blue Line carries about 62,000 riders daily, making it one of the busiest light-rail lines in the nation.
Thursday, July 19, 2001
Blue Line Kills 25 Year Old at Vernon Station
Man Struck by Blue Line Train Is Critically Hurt
Los Angeles Times
July 20, 2001
A 25-year-old man was critically injured Thursday after being struck by a Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the 4400 block of South Long Beach Avenue about 5:10 p.m., said Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells. He was taken to California Hospital in “very, very critical condition” with massive head and chest injuries, Wells said.
Los Angeles Times
July 20, 2001
A 25-year-old man was critically injured Thursday after being struck by a Blue Line train in South Los Angeles, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the 4400 block of South Long Beach Avenue about 5:10 p.m., said Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells. He was taken to California Hospital in “very, very critical condition” with massive head and chest injuries, Wells said.
Friday, June 25, 1999
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 7, 1998
Blue Line Kills Woman in Willowbrook
Woman Walking on Tracks Killed by Train
Los Angeles Times
July 08, 1998
A 46-year-old woman was struck and killed by a Blue Line train Tuesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said.
Sylvia Sayles of Los Angeles was walking on the tracks when she was hit by a train shortly before 8 a.m. at Willowbrook Avenue and Imperial Highway, said MTA spokesman Ed Scannell.
The gates were down and the red lights were flashing when she was hit by a southbound train, Scannell said.
County Fire Department paramedics pronounced Sayles dead from massive trauma, he said.
Forty-one people have been killed in car and pedestrian collisions with Blue Line trains since the service began July 1990, including seven fatalities this year, he said.
Los Angeles Times
July 08, 1998
A 46-year-old woman was struck and killed by a Blue Line train Tuesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said.
Sylvia Sayles of Los Angeles was walking on the tracks when she was hit by a train shortly before 8 a.m. at Willowbrook Avenue and Imperial Highway, said MTA spokesman Ed Scannell.
The gates were down and the red lights were flashing when she was hit by a southbound train, Scannell said.
County Fire Department paramedics pronounced Sayles dead from massive trauma, he said.
Forty-one people have been killed in car and pedestrian collisions with Blue Line trains since the service began July 1990, including seven fatalities this year, he said.
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