Inquiry Targets Engineer in Metrolink Mishap in Glendale

Metrolink authorities on Wednesday were investigating whether an engineer misread a sign, prompting him to drive a commuter train too fast through an intersection, injuring several passengers who were thrown from their seats.

Paramedics treated at least three passengers for minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt in the Monday incident near Allen Avenue. The train was en route from downtown to Ventura County.

The engineer, whose name was not released, has been placed on administrative leave. Authorities said he was not given drug or alcohol tests.

The Metrolink train shook intensely after changing tracks while traveling about 45 m.p.h.--20 miles faster than the 25 m.p.h. speed limit for such maneuvers. Authorities estimate there were 200 passengers on the three-car train at the time.

The engineer apparently thought he was heading into a straightaway rather than changing tracks, said Richard Stanger, executive director for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, which supervises Metrolink.

“The engineer apparently misread a signal,” Stanger said. “It was to tell him that he was being shifted to the adjacent track. He approached the switch with higher speed than he should have.”

Stanger said the engineer could be fired for his actions after a hearing later this week.

Bill Davis, a Simi Valley city councilman, whose wife, Ginni, was riding in the third car of the train, said no one checked on her after the incident happened. Davis, who serves on the board of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, criticized Metrolink for its handling of the incident. Riders could have been hurt and no one would have known, he said.

Authorities are now considering converting the Glendale intersection to make it accessible at higher speeds, Stanger said. The incident is the first such mishap in Metrolink’s 27-month history. Authorities said the investigation should be concluded by the end of this week.