AURORA, Colo. – A chaotic series of events on Christmas morning left four people hospitalized after a shooting suspect’s car collided with a light rail train in Aurora.
The incident began at a shooting scene three miles away, where five individuals—three men and two women—fled in a Mazda. The car’s ill-fated attempt to beat a train at an intersection resulted in a collision that derailed the light rail train, causing significant disruption.
Details of the Collision
According to the Aurora Police Department, the Mazda struck the driver compartment of the train at high speed, knocking the train off its tracks.
The crash resulted in:
- Four hospitalizations: Three from the car, including one person with a gunshot wound from the earlier shooting, and the train operator.
- Train passengers: Four were evaluated on-site but did not require hospitalization.
Police Commander Matthew Brukbacher described the incident as a miscalculation. “Based on video, the Mazda tried to beat the train at the crossing and ended up colliding almost directly with the driver’s compartment.”
Connections to the Earlier Shooting
Authorities confirmed that the car’s occupants were linked to a shooting incident just before the crash. All five individuals in the vehicle knew each other, with initial findings suggesting a family-related dispute.
Police emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Train Operations and Safety Impact
The crash disrupted light rail operations, leaving part of the rail network temporarily out of service. Repair crews worked to reestablish the line, while transit authorities reassured passengers of the system’s overall safety.
Investigations Continue
The Aurora Police Department is piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the crash. Video evidence and witness accounts will be pivotal in understanding how a family dispute escalated to violence and a life-threatening collision.
