California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
This week Los Angeles citizens commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the worst ever commuter rail disaster that occurred when a Metrolink train collided head on with a freight train.
On September 12, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. the Metrolink commuter train hit the freight train. The collision pushed the first car of the Metrolink train into the passenger car behind it. Several rail cars from both trains derailed, resulting in personal injuries of 135 people and the wrongful deaths of 25 passengers. It took over 24 hours for emergency responders to reach all of the deceased.
Later investigation revealed that the engineer on the Metrolink train, Robert Sanchez, was texting a friend, despite a ban on the use of cell phones while operating the train. Sanchez missed warning signs about the approaching train when he left the Chatsworth Metrolink station.
Ceremonies for victims of this tragic accident included the tolling of a bell aboard Metrolink 111 at 4:22pm, the time the collision occurred. The bell rang once for every victim. Loved ones gathered to share memories of those they lost that day. At the memorial, “Metrolink also unveiled a Rail Safety Exhibit that details the Chatsworth crash, recognizes the victims and first responders and explains the safety systems that have been installed in the years since.”
Sadly, even with safety measures, train accidents still continue to occur in busy Los Angeles. If you have been injured by a train or have lost a loved one in a Los Angeles train accident it is important to contact a Los Angeles train accident lawyer right away. Our office always offers a free consultation to anyone who suffers serious injuries in an accident or the family members of a wrongful death victim.
We certainly hope the family members of the train accident victims were able to find some solace in remembering their loved ones this week.