A pedestrian was struck and killed by a Metro light rail train Friday afternoon in South Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The collision occurred around 1:45 p.m. near the Vernon aboveground station, where the twin tracks run along Long Beach Avenue, according to the Fire Department.
The person was walking on the tracks and was struck by a southbound Metro A Line train near the station, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“Metro extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Metro spokesman Dave Sotero.
The pedestrian appeared to be an adult man, LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
When firefighters arrived, they found the man completely under the train, but not trapped or immobilized by the structure, Humphrey said.
“Firefighters crawled under the very narrow area under the train to remove the wreckage in a discreet and dignified manner,” Humphrey said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County medical examiner said the case had not been reported to the office as of Friday afternoon.
According to the LAFD, there were 42 passengers aboard the three-car train. No one was injured.
A video posted by the LAFD on X shows a helicopter flying overhead as emergency personnel attend to the scene. Onlookers watch from beyond the yellow police tape.
The Vernon station was closed Friday and trains bypassed the station. Metro officials said the agency would implement a bus bridge between the Washington and Slauson stations until further notice.
Metro urged people to respect rail safety guidelines.
“Pedestrians and vehicles should only cross roads at marked intersections with signs that help ensure safe passage,” Sotero said.
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the collision.
The death is the latest tragedy for the beleaguered Metro transportation system, which has seen a series of recent attacks on buses and trains, including stabbings, murders and fights between passengers and drivers.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently announced that police deployment was being increased and that Metro was trying to improve the system in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics, including using transit ambassadors to help riders. , adding transit safety officers and increasing cleaning at certain stations.
