Metrolink train bound for Inland Empire stalls in Anaheim Hills, 500 passengers evacuated

A Metrolink train carrying about 500 passengers stalled on the tracks in Anaheim Hills on Saturday, July 18, creating a traffic hazard and prompting the evacuation of riders, officials said.

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The train became disabled about 4:40 p.m. near the intersection of Orangethorpe and Glenview avenues, prompting a response from Anaheim and Placentia firefighters and Anaheim police, Anaheim police Sgt. Eric Anderson said.

Orangethorpe Avenue was closed in both directions, creating a major traffic disruption. Police directed traffic, helped firefighters evacuate the train and provided water to passengers, who waited for the arrival of a relief train, Anderson said.

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The disabled train was en route from Oceanside to San Bernardino, and most of the passengers were commuters returning to the Inland Empire after visiting the beach, Metrolink spokesperson Sabrina Davis said. She said the San Clemente Pier and Capistrano Beach are popular destinations for Metrolink riders.

A relief train arrived about 5:30 p.m. and transported the passengers to Metrolink’s downtown Riverside station. From there, Metrolink arranged for Riverside Transit Agency buses to take them the remainder of the trip to the San Bernardino depot, Davis said.

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The scene was cleared about 7:30 p.m., Anderson said.

The cause of the train malfunction is under investigation.