At least 55 people were injured in Los Angeles when a University of Southern California shuttle bus collided with a Metro light rail train. The accident occurred along Exposition Boulevard near the USC Campus and Natural History Museum. Witnesses reported seeing the bus being crushed on its front end and a large number of ambulances responding to the scene. The bus had crossed into the path of the E Line train, which runs from East Los Angeles to downtown Santa Monica. The bus was carrying only the driver and one passenger, who were the most severely injured, while there were over 150 passengers on the Metro train.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the incident and evaluated and treated at least 55 people as a result of the collision. Sixteen individuals were transported to local medical facilities in fair condition, while another 37 were treated and released at the scene. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, with LA Metro offering its sympathy to those injured. This incident highlights the potential dangers of crossing points along light rail lines that do not have gates to prevent vehicles from entering the tracks.
The Starcraft 40-passenger bus was significantly damaged in the collision, with the bus driver and one passenger being the most severely injured. The E Line light rail train was traveling along its route from East Los Angeles to downtown Santa Monica, and not all crossings along the route have gates to block traffic. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and provided medical treatment to those injured, with many individuals being treated and released at the scene.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene at the time of the collision, with numerous emergency vehicles responding to the area near the USC Campus. The accident occurred at a crossing point along Exposition Boulevard, where the shuttle bus crossed into the path of the Metro light rail train. With over 150 passengers on board the train, the potential for serious injuries was high. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe practices at rail crossings and the need for proper infrastructure to prevent collisions.
The USC Transportation Department confirmed that the shuttle bus was carrying only the driver and one passenger at the time of the collision. The bus driver and passenger were the most severely injured, with the driver being evaluated and treated for injuries. The collision caused significant damage to the bus, which was operated by USC and providing transportation services to the campus community. The incident is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, with support from LA Metro.
In response to the collision, LA Metro expressed its sympathy for those injured and reiterated the importance of safety at rail crossings. The organization acknowledged the severity of the incident and the impact on those involved. The investigation into the cause of the collision will help determine any potential factors that contributed to the accident. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of collisions between vehicles and light rail trains, highlighting the need for caution and adherence to safety protocols at rail crossing points.
