Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyPHOENIX -- It was a long day of delays for passengers riding the Metro Light Rail following the worst crash since the train started service in Phoenix back in December.
"It's frustrating cause we need to go now," said Chrissy Bostic. She anxiously scrambled to get a group of Washington High School band students to the ASU vs. Ohio State game to work concessions.
They were delayed following an accident on the rail line in the area of 32nd and Washington streets in Phoenix. "Almost 20 to 25 minutes," Bostic explained.
No worries for first time rail riders Robert and Mona Wolfe. The hiccup only added excitement to their date. "Since we had the whole day to kill it was just more of an adventure of us," laughed Robert.
All day passengers were detoured after the driver of an SUV ran a red light and slammed into the rail, according to Phoenix Fire Captain Scott McDonald. The impact knocked the train off its tracks and knocked out power to the light rail in the area.
"We did have an electrical hazard, one of the poles was knocked off its base," said McDonald. "And initial reports were the potential for lines to fall."
Several people were rushed to the hospital including the driver of the SUV and two passengers on the train. Both the train and SUV suffered extensive damage. Four other people on the train were hurt but refused immediate treatment.
For several hours buses served to ferry light rail passengers around the accident scene.
"We understand the frequency of bus service will be very similar to our train service and buses will be coming to train station every 10 to 12 minutes," said Metro Light Rail Public Information Officer Hillary Foose.
Traffic in all directions around the crash scene was shut down for the investigation.
Service was restored about 2:45 p.m.
