A tragic mishap on Wednesday evening in Long Beach resulted in the death of a motorcyclist after a collision with a Metro train. The incident occurred near the intersection of 8th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, where the rider was ejected from his bike and into the path of the oncoming train.
Authorities rushed to the scene around 5:55 p.m., upon receiving reports of the crash. The Long Beach Police Department confirmed that the motorcyclist hit a car’s rear bumper and was launched directly into the southbound train. The individual was pronounced dead at the site of the ghastly event, with no immediate release of their identity, pending notification of their next of kin, KTLA reported.
Initial speculation suggested that the fatal sequence might have been preceded by a pursuit, however, Long Beach police officials dispelled these rumors. According to CBS News Los Angeles, the investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, which left the motorcycle trapped beneath the front of the stationary train – a scene captured by an overhead news helicopter, SkyCal.
As the local community reels from the sudden loss, Metro expressed their deep sorrow. "Metro extends its heartfelt condolences to the motorcyclist's family and friends," they declared in a statement picked up by ABC7 Eyewitness News. In light of the tragic accident, Metro has initiated the operation of shuttle buses to cope with the disruptions caused to the A Line’s regular service during peak hours.
Long Beach Police Department's Collision Investigation Detail and Detective Shawn Loughlin are spearheading the investigation into this incident. Witnesses or those with information are urged to come forward and reach out to Detective Loughlin at 562-570-7355, to assist in piecing together the moments that led up to the fatality.
