09:07 AM CDT on Thursday, June 17, 2004

By Amy Tortolani / 11 News

Despite changes made to improve the safety of Metro's light rail line, Metro officials find themselves investigating another accident Thursday morning.

KHOU-TV The driver of this vehicle told Metro police he was from Kansas, was unfamiliar with the area and had been drinking.

It was a familiar scenario that involved a light rail train, a car and an illegal left turn. It marked the 45th accident since the system went online.

It happened Wednesday night at the intersection of Main and Elgin around 10:50. Investigators say a car made an illegal left turn and hit a Metro light rail train. On board were 10 to 15 passengers, none of whom were injured.

But the three people in the car were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Metro police said the out-of-town driver admitted to them he was drinking and driving.

"He was not familiar with the area. He stated that he is from Kansas," said Metro police officer Antonio Ford. "In all actuality, he said he wanted to be going the opposite way, so in essence he was making a u-turn."

No word on what charges the driver will face. But the train did sustain $10,000 to $15,000 in damage from the accident.