Light-rail collision closes Phoenix route
A collision Saturday closed the lightrail route along Central Avenue in Phoenix for most of the day. Regular service was restored along the Phoenix route Saturday night.
The trouble began mid-morning when an oncoming light-rail train slammed into a commercial box truck at Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix officials said, resulting in three people being transported to the hospital.
Two patients were transported to nearby trauma centers in stable condition, and the third patient, who was riding the light rail, was transported in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, said Phoenix Fire Capt. Aaron Ernsberger.
Officers determined that both the light-rail train and the truck were traveling south along Central Avenue, Phoenix police Sgt. Jonathan Howard said. At the intersection with Clarendon Avenue, the truck attempted a left turn directly in front of the southbound train, Howard said.
The ensuing collision overturned the truck and derailed the train.
Seven people complained of injuries, including the three transported to nearby hospitals, Howard said.
Central Avenue was closed while officers and light-rail officials worked to investigate and clear the collision scene, Howard said.
Bus service connecting the Osborn Station and the Indian School Station was established to help light-rail passengers access the entire light-rail route, Howard said.
“The collision remains under investigation, but it would be safe to remind drivers to look, listen, and follow all traffic signals when operating around the light-rail system or crossing the light rail-tracks,” Howard added.
Valley Metro tweeted out around 7:30 p.m. that light-rail services had returned to their regular schedules and thanked everyone for their patience.