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SALT LAKE CITY — A TRAX train and car collided in a downtown intersection Tuesday morning, seriously injuring the driver of the car, who had to be cut from his vehicle.
The crash was the ninth TRAX versus vehicle collision so far in 2012.
Police believe a man driving a Honda Accord ran a red light at the intersection of West Temple and 700 South. The train hit the car on the driver's side, spinning the car around and leaving the driver trapped inside.
Witnesses yelled to the man to stay put as others called 911. Within minutes, emergency responders were by his side. he was conscious and talking to responders.
Rescue crews got the driver out by cutting away the door and roof of the car. He was taken to a hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
This is the 5th accident this year involving a car that ran a red light.
"Clearly we are seeing a pattern of people who are just not paying enough attention," said UTA spokesperson Gerry Carpenter. "They're not observing the traffic signals and they're not obeying the traffic laws."
Carpenter said the number of auto-pedestrian accidents involving trains is down compared to last year thanks in part to a campaign promoting safety, but now UTA's main concern is for motorists who are not paying attention.
Carpenter said the driver of the train will be given administrative leave while the accident is being investigated.
