SANTA MONICA—A car collided with a Metro Expo Line Train at about 12:23 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18 on Lincoln Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a radio call for service. Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics arrived on the scene within 4 minutes to treat the injured persons and to stabilize the train.

All vehicle occupants were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Firefighters had to use the jaws-of-life to be extricated from the vehicle. The injured persons were transported to UCLA Trauma Center in Westwood to be treated for injuries. One individual on the train suffered minor injuries and was taken to UCLA-Santa Monica Hospital for treatment. A total of 26 Firefighters, including the SMFD’s Urban Search & Rescue assisted with the incident.

SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to conduct a collision investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed the train was travelling west approaching Lincoln Boulevard as a vehicle travelling north on Lincoln Boulevard ran a red light causing the collision. Additionally, a contributing factor to the collision appears to be that the driver of the vehicle was driving under the influence of alcohol. SMPD Traffic Investigators will be conducting a thorough investigation into the collision.

Canyon News spoke to Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the SMPD via email about the collision. “The name of the driver will not be revealed at this time.  The driver is facing charges for 23152(a) VC – Driving Under the Influence; 21453(a) CVC – Red Light Violation; and 22451(a) CVC-  fail to stop for a railroad crossing signal.  The charges are pending and under review by SMPD Traffic Investigators,” said Lt. Rodriguez.

He added that the three vehicle occupants including the driver were injured and considered in serious condition, but non-life threatening injuries. When asked about the condition of the vehicle, Lt. Rodriguez noted “the vehicle involved sustained moderate damage.”

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Pace at (310) 458-8488; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.