A bicyclist suffered a serious leg injury after he was hit by a Hiawatha light-rail train Monday afternoon.
The train was traveling southbound near 42nd Street and Hiawatha Avenue about 4:30 p.m. when it collided with the cyclist, said Metro Transit spokesman Bob Gibbons. The man, who was not identified, was conscious and talking, but was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center.
The gate arms, flashing lights and warning bells at the crossing appeared to be working properly, Gibbons said. The train, which was traveling around 45 miles per hour, will be investigated, as well as the signal systems. The train operator was taken off the job and will undergo standard drug and alcohol testing.
Passengers stayed on the train after the incident, but service was stopped for about 35 minutes.
LORA PABST
