At least 55 people were injured in a collision between a University of Southern California shuttle bus and a Metro light rail train in Los Angeles. The accident occurred near the USC Campus and Natural History Museum on Exposition Boulevard around noon on Tuesday. Witnesses described the bus as being crunched on its front end, and multiple ambulances were seen at the scene. According to Dave Sotero, a spokesperson for LA Metro, the bus crossed into the path of an E Line train, which runs from East Los Angeles to downtown Santa Monica along streets with some crossings lacking gates.
The Starcraft 40-passenger bus was carrying only the driver and one passenger at the time of the collision, as stated by USC Transportation. Both the bus driver and passenger were severely injured, along with more than 150 passengers on the Santa Monica-bound Metro train. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they evaluated and treated at least 55 individuals as a result of the collision, with 16 being transported to local medical facilities in fair condition and 37 treated and released at the scene. The Los Angeles Police Department will be leading the investigation into the incident.
LA Metro expressed its sympathy for those injured in the accident and stated that the co. The Associated Press contributed to the initial reporting of this incident.
It is important to note that in the immediate aftermath of the collision, a Los Angeles County deputy passed away due to a medical emergency at a station, according to the Sheriff’s Department. This adds to the severity and tragedy of the situation, as the aftermath of the collision resulted in numerous injuries and casualties. The collision highlights the importance of safety measures at railroad crossings and the potential dangers of accidents involving large vehicles like buses and trains.
The collision in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the potential risks of commuting and public transportation, emphasizing the need for effective safety protocols and measures. The incident also underscores the role of emergency responders in providing immediate medical care and assistance to those affected. As investigations continue into the factors leading to the collision, there may be lessons learned and improvements made to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community and authorities will need to work together to ensure the safety of commuters and the public transportation system going forward.
