ENCINO : Parents of Man Killed by Train Seek $1 Million

The parents of a 23-year-old Encino man killed by a Metrolink train as he tried to sneak across the tracks into a drive-in theater have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that the crossing was improperly maintained. Named as defendants were the city of Los Angeles, Metrolink and Los Angeles County, said Alan B. Newman, attorney for Hank and Eileen Pola, parents of Eric Pola, who was killed Jan. 22 at the grade-crossing at Winnetka Avenue and Nordhoff Street.

At the time of the accident, police said Eric Pola tripped and fell as he followed two friends in a dash across the tracks. Pola’s parents are seeking $1 million in damages. A Metrolink spokesman declined to comment, saying his office has not received a copy of the suit.