Car Struck by Trolley in Lemon Grove; Driver Hospitalized with Minor Injuries

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12 hours ago
1 min read

Lemon Grove — A driver was transported to a local hospital Tuesday afternoon after his vehicle was struck by a trolley at a busy intersection in Lemon Grove, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The crash occurred at 3:19 p.m. on December 16, 2025, at Lemon Grove Avenue and Palm Street. Deputies say the driver was traveling westbound when the vehicle struck a downed crossing gate and was then hit by an oncoming trolley traveling approximately 50 miles per hour.

The impact knocked the vehicle off the tracks and into the street, narrowly avoiding what authorities say could have been a far more serious outcome. Deputies stated the driver was fortunate to suffer only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

According to SDSO, the driver told deputies he believed he could beat the trolley through the intersection and did not pay close attention to the barrier arm before crossing. A deputy at the scene emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant at train and trolley crossings, noting that the collision could have easily resulted in severe or fatal injuries.

The violent collision stunned nearby business owners. David, the owner of David’s Flowers, said he has operated his flower stand at that location for 25 years and has never witnessed a crash like this before.

Sheriff’s deputies are continuing to investigate the crash and are working to determine whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.