Video shows the crash happening around 10:50 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Long Beach Avenue and 55th Street.
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The dark sedan drives parallel to the tracks, slows down and then turns left right into the path of a speeding train approaching quickly from behind.
The train smashes into the car at full speed and drags the vehicle some distance down the tracks.
Detectives say the driver made it out alive with what were only described as scrapes and bruises.
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"This could've had a tragic outcome," the Los Angeles Police Department tweeted. "Fortunately the driver survived with minor injuries, but this should serve as a good reminder to all of us - pay attention near train tracks, and always obey all traffic signals and devices.
From the video, it appears a gate was down blocking traffic that would be approaching in the right lane, but there was no gate blocking the left side. With normal two-way traffic, that side would be driving into oncoming vehicles in any case.
It was not immediately apparent if there were any flashing lights or bells working at that crossing.