Judge Orders $200M Metrolink Liability Fund Deposited

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has ordered Southern California's Metrolink system and Connex Railroad to deposit $200 million to compensate victims of a 2008 commuter train disaster, but has yet to decide whether to approve the settlement.

Judge George H. Wu ordered Monday that the money be deposited by Oct. 20.

KNX 1070's Jon Baird Reports On $200M Payout

The collision of a Metrolink train and a freight train in Los Angeles killed 25 people and injured more than 100. Investigators believe the Metrolink engineer provided by Connex was texting moments earlier and ran a red light.

Last month Metrolink and Connex said they would pay $200 million -- the maximum in damage payouts for a train crash under federal law.

Critics say the fund isn't enough and there are efforts in Washington to challenge the liability cap.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)