Debris from Big-Rig Crash on I-210 Closes Metro Gold Line

PASADENA, CA - The first full day of service on the brand new eastern extension of the Gold Line was suspended Sunday because a truck crashed and burned on the Foothill (210) Freeway near San Gabriel Boulevard and came to rest on Metro tracks in the center of the freeway.

The crash was reported about 3:12 a.m. on the westbound side of the freeway. It closed lanes and forced a shutdown of the Gold Line between the Allen and Arcadia stations, officials said.

The driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department said.

All freeway lanes were reopened about 3:15 p.m.

The wreckage was cleared from the tracks, but shuttles were being used to get Metro riders around the closure, spokesman Dave Sotero said.

Crews were working on lingering power system issues this afternoon and it was hoped full service would be restored this evening, though no time estimate was available, he said.

The tractor trailer was traveling west on the 210 Freeway when the driver lost control and slammed into a center guard rail, according to the California Highway Patrol.

It was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, Derderian said.

The crash and closure come just one day and less than a mile away from where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Duarte/City of Hope station for the new Metro Gold Line expansion.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of Metro L.A.