MIDVALE — A TRAX operator and two passengers were injured Tuesday when the train collided with an empty light-rail car that became disconnected from another train and was left on the tracks.
A Utah Transit Authority spokesman at the scene reported the abandoned car became detached from an empty northbound train that was headed back to the yard for the night. All of its lights were out, and the operator didn't realize anything had been left behind.
The operator driving the second train spotted the stranded TRAX car but was unable to stop in time.
The crash occurred about 9 p.m. near 8100 South and 100 East, UTA spokesman Remi Barron confirmed.
It was unclear how long the car was sitting on the tracks before it was hit — the operator may not have even been aware of the problem — but TRAX trains usually travel about 15 minutes apart, Barron said.
The three people sustained minor injuries and were transported to area hospitals, Barron said.
No estimates about TRAX delays resulting from the collision were available at press time.
Because no automobiles were involved in the collision, the accident remains a UTA issue, according to the Unified Police Department.
— McKenzie Romero