Train Conductors Attempts Ramming a Train into a Hospital

According to federal prosecutors, a train engineer intentionally derailed a Pacific Harbor Line train near the Port of Los Angeles on Tuesday in an attempt to hit the USNS Mercy hospital ship. The train crashed through barriers and finally came to a halt approximately 250 yards from the docked naval ship. The engineer, Eduardo Moreno, 44, of San Pedro, allegedly believed that the ship was "suspicious" and did not believe that "the ship is what they say it's for". Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the train leaked fuel that required a hazardous materials response.

Authorities say Moreno admitted to crashing the train intentionally but claimed that he did not plan it in advance. Video from inside the train's cab reportedly shows Moreno holding a lighted flare during the incident. According to reports, he made statements to a CHP officer that included "You only get this chance once. The whole world is watching. I had to. People don't know what's going on here. Now they will."

Moreno has been charged with one count of train wrecking, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. It is believed that he acted alone. The USNS Mercy hospital ship was brought in to help ease the burden of local hospitals that are surging with COVID-19 cases. The ship has about 1,000 hospital beds and some 800 active-duty doctors, nurses, and medical staff on board. It is expected to remain in Los Angeles until September or until it is no longer needed.