Metro Train Derails in Downtown Los Angeles, Disrupting Service for Hours
A Metro train derailed in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon, causing significant disruptions to light rail service for approximately six hours during the peak evening commute. The incident occurred at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station, impacting both the A Line and the E Line.
Details of the Derailment
The derailment occurred before 3:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro). While the train remained upright, the incident caused major delays on the A Line, which connects Long Beach to Azusa, and the E Line, which connects Santa Monica to East Los Angeles. No injuries were reported, and the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments assisted in safely evacuating all passengers back to the platform.
Service Disruptions and Alternative Routes
The derailment forced the halting of light rail service at 7th Street/Metro Center Station, with potential disruptions extending to Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station, Historic Broadway Station, and Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, depending on the train line. Consequently, the A Line operated only between Long Beach and Pico Station, and then from Union Station to Azusa. Similarly, the E Line ran only between Santa Monica and Pico Station, and between Historic Broadway Station and East Los Angeles.
Resolution and Alternative Transportation Options
Normal train service resumed around 9:45 p.m. after crews removed the disabled train. During the disruption, LA Metro provided a bus bridge to help riders transfer between the Bunker Hills/Grand Avenue Station, 7th Street/Metro Center and Pico stations. Passengers were also encouraged to use the B/D Line between 7th Street/Metro and Union Station as an alternative. For the A Line, train service towards Long Beach resumed at the Grand/LATTC Station, and riders could use Union Station to continue to Azusa. The cause of the derailment remains unclear.
