Commuter train derails in Glendale (Update: Crash escalates to criminal probe)

AP ^ | 01/26/05 | AP

[Pikamax]

Commuter train derails in Glendale

Associated Press

GLENDALE, Calif. - A Metrolink commuter train derailed early Wednesday in this Los Angeles suburb, and firefighters were searching through the wreckage.

Television reports showed smoke coming from twisted wreckage at the scene of the crash, where two separate trains could be seen derailed.

The derailment in this Los Angeles suburb was near San Fernando Road and Chevy Chase Boulevard.

[bd476]

Gene Gleeson says Jeep driver did it purposefully to commit suicide, took off running at last minute, jumped out of Jeep at the last minute, changed his mind, then left.

[UPcrawfish]

""Thanks for the info. The question we're watching now is who/where is the driver of that Jeep.""

Insurance scam maybe ?? - we get them all the time. This one may have gone very wrong...

[granite]

Local news suggests a suicide attempt and changed his mind when it looked too scary. I say homicide, regardless of the reason. This is a good argument for euthanasia, though.

[mfccinsd]

One of the guys they were interviewing on KNX said he hardly ever takes the train but did b/c of the rain today figuring it would surely be an easier way to get to work today...and far quicker. He was one of the relatively 'walking wounded' by comparison.

[Bella_Bru]

Compared with driving the 101, especially in the rain, this event won't deter me at all.

I agree. The trains are far more convenient than some of the freeways anyday.

[bd476]

Gene Gleeson veteran reporter of KABC TV for years. Has information from authorities, was driver's deliberate act of parking Jeep on tracks, changed mind about suicide at last minute and jumped out of train and left scene.

[TomGuy]

7-LA reporting that driver of Jeep Cherokee had decided to commit suicide this morning, drove vehicle onto tracks, and changed mind at last moment and exited the vehicle.

[Bella_Bru]

True. I just read that they think he left his car there intentionally.

[Bella_Bru]

changed mind about suicide at last minute and jumped out of train and left scene.

He caused 9 deaths and over 100 fatalities as well as screwing up traffic for who knows how long. Help him fulfill his wish.

[cake_crumb]

FOX News: vehicle was deliberately placed on tracks. Goosebumps on goosebumps here.

[bd476]

There are five critical patients in one hospital. They're interviewing Glendale Memorial hospital spokesman now. Two are critical neuro patients, two are critical abdominal, and one has critical head injuries.

[lainie]

7-LA reporting that driver of Jeep Cherokee had decided to commit suicide this morning, drove vehicle onto tracks, and changed mind at last moment and exited the vehicle.

Unbelievable.

[bd476]

Ten more patients on way to Glendale Memorial Hospital - this is not even a critical care hospital.

[cake_crumb]

"7-LA reporting that driver of Jeep Cherokee had decided to commit suicide this morning, drove vehicle onto tracks, and changed mind at last moment and exited the vehicle."

Oh my good lord. He wants suicide?? Give him the death penalty.

[kellynla]

Reporting now that a Jeep Grand Cherokee was left on the tracks. The driver is in custody.

[bd476]

What is strange is that they have determined that it was deliberate and an attempted suicide but they don't have the driver yet.

[lainie]

oop -- there ya go, #196: driver in custody.

Homicide charges for sure.

[Rennes Templar]

Right. That was a massive train wreck!

[It's me]

I do not think the driver is talking to anyone.
He is hiding somewhere after running away from the car after he decided not to commit suicide. He's alive but many others are not.

...Gee what a guy!