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December 2, 2008 8:57:54 PM CST

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LA Train Riders Mourn Victims

Posted Sep 15, 08 3:19 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Los Angeles' mayor joined commuters on half-empty trains today, saying they were still "the safest option for commuters” despite the Friday crash that killed 25. Stations were visibly quieter as Metrolink workers assured passengers the trains were safer than freeways, the Times reports. While many stayed home, one rider says, "I needed to connect with my train people to make sure they were OK."

Meanwhile, the spokeswoman who told media an engineer "blew through a light," causing the crash, resigned today after board members sharply criticized her for prematurely blaming the crash on the operator. She defended herself, saying the media spun blame away from Metrolink, which is “still the responsible party.” She says she was authorized to relay basic facts about the investigation.

Source Los Angeles Times

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Denise Tyrrell resigned as Metrolink media relations adviser after prematurely telling reporters that Friday's crash was due to operator error.   (AP Photo)
Train commuters react as they read names of fatalities in the newspaper today.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A Los Angeles County sheriff offers words of comfort to a regular train commuter, who waits for a friend to drive her to work.   (AP Photo)
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California • Los Angeles • train crash • Antonio Villaraigosa • Metrolink


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