Metrolink train strikes pickup in La Verne

Nicole Knight
Editor in Chief

A westbound Metrolink passenger train struck a pickup truck at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday on Arrow Highway between Fairplex Drive and White Avenue, dragging the vehicle for about 160 feet, according to a press release from the La Verne Police Department.

Ernest Braunwalder, 79, of Glendora, suffered only minor injuries, when the train moving at approximately 40 miles per hour struck his small truck, totaling it. Braunwalder was treated and released from Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Denise Tyrrell, spokeswoman for Metrolink, said the train experienced “superficial” damage and that no passengers on the train were injured. The collision is under investigation by the La Verne Police.

Tyrrell said Metrolink had no final word on what exactly happened or whether any laws were broken.

“We know the signal was working properly,” Tyrrell said.

She encourages people to exercise caution when crossing train tracks.

“When the gate drops and you hear the bells ring, you have approximately 20 seconds before the train goes by,” Tyrrell said.

Nicole Knight can be reached at nknight@ulv.edu.

Nicole Knight

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