L.A. commuter train hits car, 21 hurt

LOS ANGELES — A light-rail train slammed into a car Saturday at a crossing in front of the University of Southern California, seriously injuring the driver and the train’s operator. Nineteen passengers on the train suffered lesser injuries.

The Metro Expo Line train was heading east toward downtown shortly before 11 a.m. when authorities said it appeared the driver of a silver Hyundai didn’t see it and tried to make a left turn across the tracks from a major thoroughfare.

The first two of the train’s four cars slightly derailed, but they remained upright.

“We had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the driver, and we transported him to a local hospital. He was in extremely critical condition,” fire Capt. Daniel Curry said at the scene.

The train’s operator was taken to the hospital in serious condition, but his condition improved later Saturday, Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo said.

Nineteen passengers on the train suffered lesser injuries, mainly cuts and bruises. “They were all able to walk off the train,” Curry said.

Eight were taken to hospitals, and the others were released.

Train passenger cars are covered with bold black-and-yellow warning signs that read: “Heads Up! Watch For Train.”