Downtown SLC car-TRAX crash slows light rail commuters

A car-light rail train collision delayed TRAX commuters in downtown Salt Lake City early Thursday morning.

The accident occurred about 6:15 a.m. when the eastbound train struck a northbound car that was suspected of having run a red light near the 300 West and South Temple Arena Station.

The woman reportedly suffered only minor injuries, but had to be extricated from the wreckage of her car by emergency workers. Utah Transit Authority spokesman Gerry Carpenter said the woman, in her 30s, was transported to a hospital for a precautionary examination.

TRAX traffic in-bound and out-bound shared a single track while efforts continued to clear the scene. By 7:30 a.m., trains were once more operating on both tracks.

No citations were issued, but the Salt Lake City Police Department was investigating the accident.

"This is a reminder how important it is to obey all traffic signals. Trains can't swerve and cannot quickly come to a stop," Carpenter said.

remims@sltrib.com