The historic but short railway system—it runs only 300 feet, up a steep grade that connects the older part of Downtown LA to the newer high-rises and condos on Bunker Hill—was re-opened five years ago after a 27-year closure. The fatal accident occurred when a two-inch-thick cable hauling one of the two wooden trolleys that run on the line failed, hurtling it into the other car about 200 feet below.

Authorities described the dead man as an 83-year-old tourist from New Jersey who was visiting LA with his wife and riding inside one of the two trolleys. The accident horrified dozens of Downtown workers, many of whom were walking back to their jobs after the lunch hour or could see the disaster from the California Plaza high-rise that sits at the top of the hill.

Local and state investigators, as well as authorities from the National Transportation Board, were still on the scene last night. They were trying to figure out what made the cable snap.

LA Mayor Richard Riordan also inspected the wreck. "My heart goes out to the victims and the families of the victims," Riordan told reporters, adding that the system would remain closed until officials can guarantee its safety.