MEDIA RELEASE - Quick Work by Metrolink Train Crew Avoid Collision with Vehicle on RR Tracks

Irwindale Police Department 5050 North Irwindale Avenue Irwindale, California 91706 For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1 Press Release Case# : 20-0056 Press Release Date : 01/15/2020 8:09 AM Location : Azusa Canyon Road at Los Angeles Street, Irwindale, CA 91706 Crime/Offense : Metrolink Train Crew Avoid Collision with Vehicle on RR Tracks in Irwindale A traffic collision blocked the Metrolink railroad tracks in city of Irwindale this morning, but quick work by the crew of an approaching Metrolink train avoided a secondary collision with one of the involved vehicles. At about 8:05 am, Irwindale PD officers responded to the area of Azusa Canyon Road and Los Angeles Street in the city of Irwindale regarding a two-vehicle traffic collision. On arrival, they found that one of the vehicles had been pushed onto the railroad crossing as a result of the collision, blocking the railroad tracks. Witnesses to the collision rushed to the car on the tracks and were able to assist the injured occupant from the vehicle. Luckily, the collision was seen by the crew of an approaching Metrolink train, who were able take emergency action to bring the train to a stop east of the crossing before the train struck the vehicle on the tracks. All of the drivers involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating officers. Three adult parties involved in the traffic collision were treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics for minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals. No injuries were reported to Metrolink train crew or passengers, however Metrolink operations were disrupted for about 30 minutes due to the investigation. The cause of the traffic collision remains under investigation, however drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a factor. Kudos to the passersby who removed the injured party from the stuck vehicle and to the Metrolink crew for their quick actions in stopping the train and avoiding a collision with the stopped vehicle! Press Release Prepared by : Sergeant Rudy Gatto, PIO, Email: rgatto@irwindaleca.gov / Phone: (626) 430-2245