Skip to main content
DONATE

Video captures R Line train derailment that injured 3 people

Email share
Three people were injured after the R Line derailed Wednesday, Sept. 21 in Aurora.
Photo: Julio Sandoval, Rocky Mountain PBS

AURORA, Colo. — A Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail train derailed at the intersection of Exposition Avenue and Sable Boulevard in Aurora Wednesday, Sept. 21 leading to multiple injuries and road closures.

Video shows the train derailing as it goes around a corner. The derailment led to two of the train cars becoming unhooked. The official cause of the derailment is still being investigated, but the video appears to show the train operator taking the turn at too high a speed.

Rocky Mountain PBS reached out to RTD about the cause of the derailment and if the operator is facing any disciplinary action. A spokesperson said the crash is still being investigated, and that the official cause won't be determined until the investigation is complete.

The incident occurred on RTD’s R Line around 4 p.m. Aurora Fire Rescue said three people were taken to the hospital, but that their injuries were non-life threatening.

The intersection was closed for “an extended time,” Aurora Fire Rescue said.

Shuttle buses replaced the R Line while the accident was being cleared. To sign up for RTD service alerts, click here.

Marta Sipeki with RTD told Rocky Mountain PBS on Sept. 22 that the cause of the derailment is still not known, and that the Aurora Police Department is investigating.

Two of the train cars became separated in the crash. The train also ran over a traffic sign and damaged a fence near the intersection.

This is the second time in recent years that a train accident has happened at that intersection. In 2019, an R Line train derailed, severing a woman’s leg and injuring three others. Criminal charges were not filed in the case, but prosecutors said the train operator’s actions led to the crash.

Rocky Mountain PBS will update this developing story as more information becomes available.


Kyle Cooke is the digital media manager at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach him at kylecooke@rmpbs.org.

Spotlight Newsletter

Community stories from across Colorado and updates on your favorite PBS programs, in your inbox every Tuesday.

Sign up here!