21 Injured When Metro Rail Train Collides With Car in Los Angeles

Johnny Stevens(LOS ANGELES) — At least 21 people were injured Saturday after a light-rail rail train collided with a car in downtown Los Angeles, next to the University of Southern California campus, officials said.

Two of the Metro train cars derailed, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

One person was in grave condition and another was in critical condition, the LAFD reported.

Eight others were hospitalized with minor injuries. The train operator and car driver were among those injured, officials said.

Sgt. Mike Verlich of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said on Saturday afternoon the driver of the car apparently did not obey a “No left turn” sign at a grade crossing.

“From witness accounts what we have is both the train and the vehicle traveling eastbound. There was in improper turn that occurred. The vehicle got wedged between the pole and the train causing the train to dislodge,” he said.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, according to officials.

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