Train, Dump Truck Collide, Injuring 12

A dozen were injured, though none seriously, when a dump truck stuck on the tracks was struck by a Metrolink train Saturday afternoon in Pacoima.

According to reports from the Los Angeles Police Department, the crash took place at around 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Branford Street and San Fernando Road, where a dump truck became stuck on the tracks for an unknown reason. While immobilized on the tracks, it was struck by a commuter train heading southbound from Lancaster to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.

“This truck somehow got stuck at a light at the intersection of San Fernando and Branford,” said LAPD Sergeant Kurt Smith. “The train came through, and trains don’t stop immediately and as you see, the truck got taken out.”

The collision sent the truck onto its side, spinning it around and dragging it for a quarter of a mile before finally coming to a stop. The dump truck’s holding compartment was crushed entirely in the impact, as well as much of the front cab, which even collected a railroad crossing sign as it was dragged along the tracks.

At the time of the accident, there were about 190 passengers aboard the train. More than a dozen were hurt in the crash, though none seriously. Three were treated for minor wounds on the scene, while nine others were transported to a nearby hospital for more substantial treatment. All were expected to be released quickly, much to the relief of all involved.

Incredibly, the driver of the dump truck was able to avoid serious injury as well. He was treated on the scene for minor injuries and released. According to Metrolink, much more serious damage was avoided (for those aboard the train) because of its new, high-tech train cars specifically designed to withstand the forces of a direct impact such as this.

In the aftermath of the crash, police investigators are trying to discover what caused the truck to become stuck on the tracks; at this time, the reasons are unclear. Witnesses, and the driver of the truck itself, will be questioned for more information, hopefully bringing the ordeal to a close.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a commuter train accident such as this, you should seek legal assistance. Depending on the circumstances that surround your accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which an experienced train accident lawyer can help you recover in full.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work to get you the full amount that you are rightfully owed to get you back on your feet quickly. As always, we will charge you nothing for our services until your case is won. If we do not collect on your case, then you will owe us nothing. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what we can do for you!