Railfanning.org News Wire

LOS ANGELES — A man authorities say is responsible for a fatal January 2005 Metrolink train wreck apologized for his actions, according to media reports. Juan Manuel Alvarez is on trial for first-degree murder and other charges. His trial could continue until July. Police initially said Alvarez parked his SUV on the Metrolink tracks with the intent of killing himself, but changed his mind, left his SUV on the tracks and watched the wreck unfold. However, prosecutors are challenging whether Alvarez was trying to commit suicide when he parked his SUV on the tracks and now say he may “have

LEBANON, Maine — Two teenagers lost limbs after they were struck by a train while sunbathing on a railroad trestle, authorities said. A 13-year-old girl lost a leg below the knee and her 14-year-old friend’s foot was severed. Authorities say the teens, who were cutting class, fell asleep on the trestle while sunbathing, The Associated Press reported. Neither of the girls appeared to be drunk and are considering the episode to be accidental, according to various media reports. “Both have a long road to recovery and a follow-up interview will be done when it is suitable,” York County Sheriff’s Lt.

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is supporting a Republican legislator’s plan to solicit proposals for high speed rail in the Northeast Corridor and other corridors around the nation. A plan from U.S. Rep. John L. Mica, R-Fla., “demonstrates the kind of ambitious, pragmatic thinking about our future,” Bloomberg said. “Investing in modern mass transportation is critical to New York’s future, and all options should be on the table. No idea should be ignored or dismissed simply because it is ambitious. That is not how America’s greatest infrastructure marvels — from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Grand