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Witnesses speculate on cause of Phoenix light rail train derailment
The derailment, which happened on March 14, injured several people. An investigation is ongoing, but some witnesses say speed may have been a factor.
PHOENIX - Valley Metro officials say they are still investigating a light rail derailment and crash in Phoenix that sent several people to the hospital
The crash happened at 11th and Washington Streets.
"Crews came on the scene to find several people complaining of minor injuries from the accident and began their assessment and treatment of all patients. Emergency crews quickly de-energized the tracks so they were able to safely operate." the fire department said.
A total of six adults were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Kraig Larrimore witnessed the crash, saying, "To my surprise, there was a dust cloud that was coming my way. I couldn't really see the light rail. I can just see the outline of the light rail car, but I couldn't see what happened. "
Larrimore was home when he heard a loud boom outside his apartment complex in downtown Phoenix.
"It kind of rumbled after the initial impact and then there was screeching like the light rail tracks and that's when it hit me," he said.
Valley Metro: Car did not collide with light rail
Initial reports said a car crashed into the rail car and that's what caused the incident, but a Valley Metro spokesperson says there was not a car involved.
"We're still investigating the incident. We're pulling information from our vehicle cameras and data to determine what caused it, but at this time we don't have a definitive answer," said Valley Metro spokesperson Madeline Phipps.
Passengers, nearby witnesses recount moments leading up to crash
"As we started to turn the corner, the whole thing started shaking," said Jake Garbelotti, who was on his way to the airport when the incident happened.
"Iit seemed really fast. We were in the joint of the car. I was like, 'wow, this is a really rough corner.' That’s what I said out loud, and then the next thing I know, the train makes a loud noise, jerks the other direction, and throws me on the floors," said Garbelotti.
The crash also shocked people eating at the nearby Superstition Downtown bar.
"Felt like a giant rumble and thought there was a thunderstorm, and when they came out, they found out the train had wrecked, so it was a quite violent and loud impact," said Superstition Downtown General Manager John Cavanagh.
While Valley Metro officials are not confirming a cause for the accident, Cavanagh says Valley Metro employees have told him otherwise.
"Some of the employees came to do some takeout food, and of course, I like to chat with folks, and they told me that the operator was operating at much more higher speed than they were supposed to," said Cavanaugh. "They're typically supposed to take the corner at about 5 miles per hour, but they were going about 40."
Valley Metro is still investigating the cause of the accident, and there is no word yet on when the area will be reopened.
Photo courtesy of Kraig Larrimore