This is bad. Very bad.

From NBC4 LA: A Metrolink commuter train struck a vehicle at a crossing, derailed and sideswiped another commuter train early Wednesday, killing nine people and injuring hundreds as passengers were sent tumbling down the aisles, authorities said. One train was inbound to Union Station and the other was headed for Moorpark from Union Station when the derailment occured.

It gets worse:

"Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said it appears the vehicle was deliberately placed on railroad tracks before the derailment."

Whether this was simply bad timing or an act of terrorism is still unclear. More later.

Update: 10:15 am PST P.C.: Body count is up to 10. According to the LA Sherriff's department, this is not terrorism. A "suicidal, deranged individual" stuck his vehicle on the tracks and then changed his mind about the suicide and got out and watched the train hit his car. There is an ongoing homicide investigation and the suspect is in custody and will be charged with 10 counts of homicide. Bastard.

And the Mayor of Glendale managed to make the federal government the bad guy for not paying for raised crossings. Sheesh. At least LA Mayor Hahn managed to compliment the various police and fire departments on their work in saving the folks who were in the crash.