SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An investigation was underway Friday to determine why a Sacramento light rail commuter train struck a maintenance train, injuring 27 people on board.
The accident occurred around 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, and was initially believed to be a derailment, but Sacramento Regional Transit spokeswoman Devra Selenis confirmed Friday that it was a crash. The maintenance train was not moving at the time, Selenis said in an email to The Associated Press.
"It's currently under investigation to determine the cause," she said.
There were 24 people on the Blue Line passenger train and three on the maintenance train. Thirteen people were taken to hospitals, one with moderate injuries and 12 with minor injuries, Selenis said.
Sacramento Fire Department spokesman Keith Wade said 14 other people were treated at the scene and released.
"We're very happy that no one lost their life and that no one was in critical condition," Wade told reporters late Thursday.
Wade said there were early reports of a derailment and other reports of a collision, but he noted that the passenger train was upright and appeared to remain on the tracks.
"I have no information in regards to exactly what occurred," he said.
In a press release, the Sacramento RT said they were saddened for all that were impacted by the accident, "but grateful that there were no serious injuries."
ABC10 asked Devra Selenis, Chief Communications officer with SacRT why the train undergoing maintenance was on the track in the first place.
"It's under investigation but I do know it's very common for a test train to be on a track, a shared track with passenger trains," said Selenis. "That's all part of the security and safety testing for maintenance, to make sure that it operates in regular service."
Selenis went on to emphasize the safety record of SacRT saying this is only the second time this type of accident has occurred in 32 years.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a six-person team to investigate the crash. The California Public Utilities Commission and SacRT are also conducting independent investigations to make a final determination.
The Sacramento Police Department is on scene to help keep the area secure during the investigation. SacRT staff is also available on site to help and guide riders to the special service buses.
Buses are being used Friday to carry rail passengers around the accident site.
In a social media tweet, Sacramento Regional Transit said they anticipate the bus bridge between the Roseville Road and Marconi/Arcade light rail station may possibly continue through Sunday.
The Blue Line is part of Sacramento Regional Transit's 43-mile, 52-station light rail system. Weekday light rail ridership averages about 40,000, according to the agency.