Paramedics, Conductor Hurt as Vehicle and Train Collide

A paramedic unit collided with a train Thursday in City of Industry, injuring two paramedics and a train conductor, authorities said.

The paramedics told investigators that the warning lights were not on and crossing arms were up as they approached the crossing on Stimson Avenue near Gage Avenue, said Sheriff’s Lt. Tim Murakami.

But the conductor told investigators that both the lights and arms had been activated, Murakami said. A Union Pacific official in San Francisco said the company’s investigator at the scene “said the equipment was all operating as it should have. There was no indication there was anything wrong with the equipment,” spokesman Mike Furtney said. “We’re satisfied that’s the case.”

The Sheriff’s Department will investigate the accident, Murakami said.

The 9:30 a.m. collision crumpled the front of the Los Angeles County paramedic vehicle and dragged it about 10 feet, said county fire Inspector Roland Sprewell. At the scene, the crossing arms were up where the vehicle was jammed against the train. Skid marks led to the scene.

The train had been backing up with the conductor in the rear car when the crash occurred, Murakami said.

The paramedics and the conductor were treated at Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina and released, Murakami said.