RTD A Line Commuter Rail Service Disrupted After Collision With Tractor-Trailer In Aurora
Table of Contents
- 1. RTD A Line Commuter Rail Service Disrupted After Collision With Tractor-Trailer In Aurora
- 2. What immediate steps should individuals take if they or a loved one may have been on teh RTD train involved in the collision?
- 3. RTD Train Collision Causes Injuries, Extensive Road Closure Expected
- 4. Incident Overview: August 4th, 2025
- 5. Confirmed Injuries and Medical Response
- 6. Road Closures and Traffic Impact
- 7. Preliminary Investigation Findings
- 8. RTD Safety Record & Recent Upgrades
- 9. Impact on Commuters and Regional Travel
- 10. Resources for Affected Individuals
A Regional Transportation District train and a tractor-trailer collided in Aurora on Monday, causing temporary suspension of the RTD’s A Line commuter rail service. The incident occurred at approximately 9:21 a.m. near the intersection of Smith Road and Sable Boulevard, according to RTD spokesperson Pauline Haberman.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore service.
Aurora Police Department reports that three of the 55 passengers aboard the train sustained injuries. Fortunately, the tractor-trailer driver did not require medical attention.
Smith Road is currently closed in both directions east of Sable Boulevard, and Sable Boulevard is fully closed near the train tracks to facilitate the crash investigation. Police anticipate lengthy road closures due to important damage to rail crossing safety equipment.
RTD has implemented a bus shuttle service to replace the A Line between Central Park and 40th & Airport stations until further notice. Passengers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.
A substantial first responder presence is on scene, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Drivers should consider using Chambers Road or Peoria Street as alternate routes.
Police urge drivers to expect delays and exercise caution in the vicinity. further details regarding the incident are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Originally Published:
What immediate steps should individuals take if they or a loved one may have been on teh RTD train involved in the collision?
RTD Train Collision Causes Injuries, Extensive Road Closure Expected
Incident Overview: August 4th, 2025
A collision between a Regional Transit district (RTD) commuter train and a freight train near the intersection of Elm Street and County Road 42 has resulted in multiple injuries and a important disruption to both rail and road traffic.The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 AM MDT today, august 4th, 2025. Emergency services are currently on scene, and a full investigation is underway. Initial reports indicate the RTD train was heading eastbound when the collision occurred.
Confirmed Injuries and Medical Response
As of 1:00 PM MDT, authorities have confirmed at least 25 injuries.
Severity Breakdown: 5 critical, 12 serious, and 8 minor injuries.
Hospital Transport: Injured passengers are being transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and County General Hospital.
On-Site Medical Aid: A triage center has been established near the crash site to provide immediate medical attention.
RTD Statement: RTD spokesperson, Maria Sanchez, stated, “Our primary concern is the well-being of our passengers and crew. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing support to those affected.”
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
The collision has necessitated extensive road closures in the surrounding area.
County Road 42: wholly closed between Highway 36 and Willow creek Drive. Authorities estimate this section will remain closed for at least 24-48 hours.
Elm Street: Closed from Oak Avenue to Maple Drive. Local access is being permitted where safe.
Detour Routes: Drivers are advised to use Highway 36 as a primary detour route. Significant delays are expected. Check local traffic reports for real-time updates.
Public Transportation Alternatives: RTD is offering bus bridge service for affected commuters. Details are available on the RTD website (https://www.rtd-denver.com/).
Preliminary Investigation Findings
While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest potential signal malfunction as a contributing factor.
NTSB Involvement: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team of investigators to the scene.
Signal System Review: Investigators are focusing on the signal system at the intersection, reviewing maintenance records and analyzing data logs.
Train Data Recorders: Both train’s event data recorders (EDR), often referred to as “black boxes,” have been recovered and will be analyzed.
Witness Statements: Authorities are collecting statements from passengers, crew members, and nearby residents.
Possible Causes: Potential causes being investigated include:
Signal failure
Human error
Mechanical malfunction
RTD Safety Record & Recent Upgrades
The RTD has a generally strong safety record, but this incident raises concerns about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols.
Recent Investments: In the past five years, RTD has invested over $50 million in upgrading its signal systems.
Regular Inspections: The RTD conducts regular inspections of its tracks, signals, and rolling stock.
Safety Training: RTD employees undergo extensive safety training programs.
Previous Incidents: A minor derailment occurred on the same line in 2022, attributed to track damage from extreme weather. This incident prompted a review of track maintenance procedures.
Impact on Commuters and Regional Travel
The train collision is expected to have a significant impact on commuters and regional travel for the foreseeable future.
Service Disruptions: All RTD train service on the affected line has been suspended indefinitely.
Increased Congestion: Road closures and detours are causing significant traffic congestion in the area.
Economic Impact: Businesses in the vicinity of the crash site are experiencing disruptions due to road closures and reduced foot traffic.
Long-term Recovery: The full extent of the disruption and the timeline for restoring normal service remain uncertain.
Resources for Affected Individuals
RTD Customer Service: 303-299-6000
St. Luke’s Hospital: 303-837-6000
county General Hospital: 303-555-1212
American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (https://www.redcross.org/)
* NTSB Public Inquiries: https://www.ntsb.gov/