LOCAL : Blue Line Train Slams Into Car

A Blue Line commuter train slammed into a car in Compton today, critically injuring the motorist who had apparently driven around lowered crossing arms in an attempt to beat the train through an intersection, authorities said.

The Long Beach-bound commuter train was headed through the intersection of Willowbrook Avenue and Elm Street about 5:35 a.m. when the motorist drove around the lowered crossing arms, Fire Department Capt. Gary Hopper said. The train slammed broadside into the car, pushing it about 50 feet down the tracks before braking to a stop, he said.