Metro Blue Line train and a Metro bus collide
32 injured
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—A Metro Blue Line train and a Metro bus collided today south of downtown Los Angeles, resulting in 32 injuries, most of them minor.
The crash at San Pedro Street and Washington Boulevard was reported about 7 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Paramedics were sent to assess the medical condition of about three dozen people from the bus and about eight from the train, which was en route to Long Beach, said LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey.
About 20 people were transported for hospital examination, most with minor injuries, Humphrey said, adding that no one suffered life-threatening injuries.
Rick Jager, a Metro spokesman, said a total of 31 people suffered minor injuries while a 32nd was described as serious based on his complaints of dizziness. A later report from the LAFD also indicated that 31 people had suffered minor injuries, while the 32nd was treated for feeling ill. All 32 were listed as being in good-to-fair condition, Humphrey said.
The bus, operating on line 51, was southbound on San Pedro Street when the crash occurred, said Helen Ortiz Gilstrap of Metro.
Buses were sent to the location to provide transportation for passengers affected by the crash, Gilstrap said. Train service was restored around 9 a.m., Jager said.
A man suspected of sexually assaulting a mentally disabled 18-year-old woman aboard a Metro bus was charged Wednesday with rape and other counts.
Kerry Trotter, 20, pleaded not guilty to one count each of forcible rape and rape of an incompetent person and two counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object.
He was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $285,000 bail pending his next appearance Nov. 21 at the Airport Branch Courthouse in Los Angeles.
PALMDALE, Calif.—A slow-speed collision between an Antelope Valley Transit Authority bus and an SUV left a dozen people complaining of minor injuries today, authorities said.
The crash at 10th Street West and Avenue M occurred about 9:50 a.m., according to Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies.
Witnesses said the bus, carrying about 40 passengers, was going 5-10 mph when it collided with a 2002 Mazda Tribute at the intersection, according to sheriff's deputies.
The crash is under investigation.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—After an hour of emotional testimony, the Los Angeles City Council today scrapped a proposed new park on the site of the famed South Central Farm in favor of a $3.6 million investment in nearby existing parks.
The council voted 12-0 to approve a plan to accept the money from the landowner, real estate developer Ralph Horowitz, instead of requiring him to put a 2.6-acre park on the site near 41st and South Alameda streets. The money will go into a special fund that can only be used for recreation and parks purposes.
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Students across Los Angeles County will get free rides on Metro buses and trains for school-sponsored field trips starting early next year, under a program approved by the Metro board.
"It's so important that teachers continue to pursue enriching educational opportunities off campus, even when school funds are tight,'' said MTA board chairman and county Supervisor Don Knabe. "We want our kids to get the best possible education, and it's our hope that this new program will help.''
