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News

What We Know Right Now About Today's Metrolink Derailment

By  Lindsay William-Ross
Published Sep 12, 2008 11:00 PM
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Rescue teams work diligently to remove victims from an overturned Metrolink passenger car following its collision with a Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth at 4:23 p.m. this afternoon | AP Photo/Hector Mata

  • Metrolink train #111 on the Ventura Line departed from Union Station and was headed to Moorpark; the train had left the Chatsworth station when it struck or was struck by a Union Pacific freight car at 4:23 p.m. near Heather Lee Lane, south of the 118 Freeway. The fire that ignited after the collision was quickly put out, and any concerns of hazardous materials were resolved early on.
  • The LAPD is saying they believe at least 20 people are dead; an estimated 50-70 people are reported as injured. The train is estimated to have had 350-400 passengers on board. According to Mayor Villaraigosa, who spoke to the press just after 8 tonight, there were 10 confirmed dead and the number is expected to grow.
  • Rescue operations are ongoing as of this time and have not yet converted to recovery, although the dogs trained to search out the deceased have been deployed.
  • The LAPD issued a city-wide full tactical alert, and the rescue and aid operations have involved personnel from multiple local agencies. The LAFD is leading the unified command.
  • Triage areas set up near the scene were said to be operating as expected and worked efficiently to assess the injured into 3 major categories and administer care or arrange for transport to hospitals all over the city, as needed. Victims were taken to multiple hospitals, including Northridge, Holy Cross, Cedars Sinai, and Children's Hospital.
  • Family members seeking information regarding relatives on board the train may call 800-371-5465.
  • Rescue work is ongoing, and is expected to continue into the night.
  • An MTA Metrolink structural engineer has been called in to discuss movement of the overturned car and the separation of the affected rail cars
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