BIKE: SUV, light-rail car collide

[Ted Ledbetter]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2236622 

Nov. 20, 2003, 2:04AM

SUV, light-rail car collide during train's test run
By MIKE GLENN
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

A Metro light rail car and a sport utility vehicle collided downtown during the train's test run Wednesday night. Police said it was the first accident involving the city's new light rail system. 

The accident occurred about 8:30 p.m. when the driver of the Jeep Cherokee turned in front of the train at Main and Gray, Metro police said. 

"The lady in the truck, she made an illegal left turn," Metro police Sgt. Antonio Ford said. "She cut right in front of the train." 

KPRC-Channel 2 officials confirmed that Krista Marino, the station's health reporter, was driving the Jeep when it was struck by the train. Marino, who was not on duty at the time, was cited by police for making an illegal turn. 

The train clipped the rear of the Cherokee, causing only minimal damage to both vehicles, Ford said. No one was injured. 

Ken Connaughton, Metropolitan Transit Authority spokesman, said train car 107 was traveling northbound on a test run when the vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of the train. The train car hit the vehicle, causing minimal damage to both the train and passenger vehicle. 

"We have been involved in an intensive training effort for a year, and we hope that that will minimize any situations like this," Connaughton said. "However, for those people who don't pay attention to the train, there's not a lot we can do." 

A Metro police vehicle was escorting the train at the time of the accident. Wednesday's incident underscores the need for motorists to be aware of the fact that "there's a new element here, a new transportation player that you need to be aware of," Connaughton said. 

KHOU-Channel 11 contributed information for the origination of this story.