3 Injured After Light Rail Train Hits Vehicle in Rancho Cordova

Authorities say the vehicle went around crossing arms before the crash at Folsom Boulevard and Mills Park Drive.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:27am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged light rail crossing signal arm, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a collision between a train and a vehicle that failed to obey safety signals.The aftermath of a collision between a light rail train and a vehicle that went around safety crossing arms, exposing the fragility of public transit infrastructure.Today in Sacramento

Three people were injured, including one critically, when a light rail train collided with a vehicle that had gone around crossing arms in Rancho Cordova, California on Thursday. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District responded to the incident at the intersection of Folsom Boulevard and Mills Park Drive, but no one on the train was hurt. The Rancho Cordova Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash.

Why it matters

Light rail systems are a crucial part of public transportation infrastructure, but incidents like this highlight the importance of drivers obeying safety signals and the potential for serious injuries when collisions occur between trains and vehicles.

The details

According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the vehicle went around the crossing arms and entered the path of the oncoming light rail train, leading to the collision. At least one of the three people taken to the hospital suffered critical injuries, while officials said no one on the train was hurt.

  • The crash occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District

The fire department that responded to and provided details about the incident.

Rancho Cordova Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the cause of the crash.

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What’s next

The Rancho Cordova Police Department will continue its investigation to determine why the driver went around the crossing arms and what factors may have contributed to the collision.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of all drivers obeying safety signals at railroad crossings to prevent serious accidents and protect both vehicle occupants and public transit passengers.