A South Los Angeles commute turned chaotic Thursday evening when a Metro train collided with an SUV, leaving multiple people evaluated by emergency crews and one man trapped in the mangled vehicle. Firefighters freed the SUV’s driver and checked passengers aboard the train after the crash near 5427 S Long Beach Ave, with the first emergency call logged at about 5:40 p.m. Neighbors and riders were left rattled as both traffic and rail service were thrown into disarray.
Fire Crews Free Trapped Driver, Check Metro Riders
According to an alert from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the crash was classified as a “Physical Rescue” (Inc. #1526), and crews from Fire Station 21, along with multiple battalions, rushed to the scene. Firefighters extricated one male patient from the SUV that had been struck by the train, while the train operator and an additional female patient were evaluated for minor complaints. The department also listed the LAPD incident number as 3920 and said crews were checking the train to ensure no other passengers were injured.
Nine Evaluated, Four Taken to the Hospital
NBC Los Angeles reported that nine people in total were evaluated at the scene, and four of them, including the 48-year-old SUV driver, were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. Others declined to be taken to the hospital. First responders also worked through the train cars to make sure there were no additional injured riders. Officials did not immediately release what they believe caused the collision.
Transit Headache in Central-Alameda
The crash created a traffic and transit nightmare in the Central-Alameda neighborhood, as lanes were shut down and Metro service was disrupted in the area. A service update cited in coverage said trains were being turned back at nearby stations and shuttle buses were being arranged to bridge the affected stretch, according to Yahoo News. Commuters were urged to steer clear while crews worked to clear the tracks and stabilize the scene.
Officials Urge Drivers and Riders to Avoid the Area
City and public safety officials said the response included specialized rescue units and multiple ambulances, with the LAPD’s South Bureau joining LAFD crews on scene, according to an update shared on X. Authorities instructed motorists to avoid the surrounding streets while first responders continued their work.
As NBC Los Angeles reported, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials are asking anyone with information to contact investigators. Service and traffic impacts were expected to linger while the scene was cleared and Metro arranged alternate transportation. This story will be updated as more details are released by authorities.
