PASADENA >> Drunken driving is suspected after a collision between a commuter train and compact car in Pasadena left two people injured and shut down a portion of the Metro Gold Line route in Pasadena Sunday afternoon, officials said.
The crash took place about 11:30 a.m. at the train crossing at California Boulevard, between Raymond Avenue and South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena police and fire officials said.
Two men inside a Toyota Corolla that was struck by the train were taken to hospitals with serious injuries, Pasadena Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. None of the 24 passengers aboard the train were hurt.
Officials shut down California Avenue between Raymond Avenue and South Arroyo Parkway as they investigated the scene and worked to clear the wreckage.
The westbound car was struck by a southbound train, Pasadena police Lt. John Mercado said.
“We have evidence, statements, that the car went under the arm and was on the track,” Mercado said. The conductor was unable to stop in time to avoid a crash, the lieutenant said.
The two driver and passenger were hospitalized with injuries not believed to be life-threatening, he said.
Officers suspected the driver had been drinking and planned have blood drawn at the hospital for analysis, Mercado said.
Gold Line service between the Fillmore and Del Mar stations was initially stopped due to the collision, Metro officials said. Limited service resumed about an hours later, though passengers were cautioned of expected delays of about 20 minutes as trains in both directions sharing a single track.
Normal service resumed about 1:20 p.m., and trains were back on their normal scheduled by 2:30 , according to Metro.
California Boulevard was also reopened to vehicle traffic about 2:30 p.m., Mercado said.

PHOTOS courtesy of the Pasadena Fire Department.