The Incident
On January 15, 2019, a man was killed by a Metro Expo Line train in Santa Monica. Pedestrian Ronnie Solomon (65) was standing on the station platform at the Colorado Ave. and 17th Street Station when the incident occurred. According to Ramon Montenegro of the LA Sheriff’s Transit Bureau, Solomon fell off the platform while trying to board the train at 8:20 a.m.
The conductor claims that he was unaware of the situation because Solomon didn’t fall in front of the train. Consequently, Solomon’s body was dragged at the way to Euclid St. before the train finally came to a stop. At 8:30 a.m., the Santa Monica Fire Department pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The 17th Street Station was closed during the 7-hour long investigation, and buses were used to ferry any inconvenienced rail passengers to their intended destinations. The train station was operational by 3:00 p.m. that afternoon. Investigators at the LA Sheriff Transit Services Bureau are still reviewing camera footage from the station and individual trains to understand how this accident occurred.
Pursue Damages for an Expo Line Accident
All California train stations are responsible for maintaining their premises and providing safe transport to on-the-go residents and tourists. When a station isn’t maintained or properly operated, a pedestrian, like Ronnie Solomon, could slip and be seriously injured. If you or someone you know has been injured in a Metro Expo Line train accident, contact the Santa Monica personal injury lawyers at McGee, Lerer & Associates. Our legal team has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. By researching your case and litigating for your best interests in court, we can help you secure damages that reflect your personal, financial, and legal objectives.
We’re available 24/7 for a free consultation. Contact McGee, Lerer & Associates at (310) 692-9582 today!