Memorial Service, Plaque Unveiling for Metrolink Crash Set for Saturday

Firemen working to save people trapped inside the first train car | Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist

It's been nearly a year since that fateful Friday afternoon when a Metrolink commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train smashed into each other, leaving 25 dead and 135 injured. It happened around a section of single track, blindly curving around Stoney Point in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles.

This Saturday marks the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. With the help of Councilman Greig Smith's office and a community planning committee, a memorial service and plaque unveiling will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Stoney Point Park.

“One year ago, our lives were changed forever,” Smith said in a statement today. “This tragedy brought trauma to the families of the victims, those who were injured, the rescue workers, groups that offered assistance, and the entire community. This memorial plaque and service will remain on Stoney Point so that we may never forgot those who passed away that sad day.”

The 2-foot by 2-foot brass plaque, with a list of all the victim's names, will placed on a boulder overlooking the crash site and tunnel where the Union Pacific train exited moments before impact.

For those wishing to attend the service, free parking and transportation to the service site will be available starting at 9:30 am at the Church at Rocky Peak, located at 22601 Santa Susana Pass Rd., Chatsworth. Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed between the 118 Freeway and Chatsworth Street.

Related: A different plaque at Union Station was unveiled earlier this week