At least 15 confirmed dead and 70 injured, making it the worst crash in Metrolink historyLOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured Friday when a Metrolink train packed with hundreds of rush-hour commuters collided with a freight train in suburban Los Angeles, officials said.
The apparent head-on collision between Metrolink train 111 and the Union Pacific train occurred about 4:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET) in Chatsworth, a northwestern suburb of Los Angeles. It sparked a fire that was brought under control.
Los Angeles County sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said 10 people had died, as rescuers continued to search the wreckage. The media relations department of the Los Angeles police department said one officer was among those killed, but did not release additional details.
"That number will likely grow because, as you know, we are in a rescue phase," Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.
About 220 people were on the commuter train, which was heading north, according to Los Angeles authorities. Passengers were still being evacuated, said Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell. Three passenger cars and one locomotive were involved in the crash.
