By Lookout Staff

December 11, 2015 -- Santa Monica police are investigating the cause of a collision shortly before noon Thursday between a Metro test train and a large truck at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and 7th street, police said.

The train was travelling westbound on Colorado at “an unknown distance” behind the 18-wheel stake bed truck, when the truck driver made an illegal left turn at 7th Street, according to the initial investigation.

“The driver of the stake bed truck, initiated a left hand turn against posted signs prohibiting such turns, and was struck broadside by the train, causing damage to the truck and its diesel fuel tank and the Metro Test Train to derail,” said Lt. Richard Lewis, a Police Department spokesman. 

The driver of the truck was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries, Lewis said.

The conductor and one Metro employee were treated by Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics after they complained of minor upper body pain, Lewis said. They declined further medical treatment.
 
The Metro test train was carrying the conductor and three Metro employees when the collision took place, he said.

Metro began testing trains along the Expo track in Santa Monica in July for the expected spring arrival of the Expo line (“Expo Begins Testing Trains in Santa Monica this Week,” July 13, 2015).

Last month, City Manager Rick Cole said the City was mobilizing key departments and focusing on safety to make Santa Monica is “absolutely ready” for the arrival of the first train in more than half a century.

Cole said City officials were meeting with Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, Homeland Security and “a lot of agencies concerned about every aspect of safety, of making the train safe to ride on, making the train safe to be around, and making it safe for the people who are on the train.”

“We have a lot of education and enforcement to do,” Cole told the City Council at its November 24 meeting.

Once the completed line to Santa Monica opens, Expo officials estimate 64,000 daily riders will be traveling the route by 2030, according to the website.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision and anyone with information should call Investigator Jason Olson at 310.458-8954, Sgt. Christopher Smith at 310.458-8950 or the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310.458-8495.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463) or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com.  Those who provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.

Callers can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS, texting from their mobile or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and may be qualified to receive a $1,000.00 reward by Crime Stoppers.