Metrolink crash victims have until April 30 to apply for assistance through the Metrolink Victim's Benefit Fund.

Funds have been distributed to 15 families in need. Now, more than six months after the crash that killed 25 and injured more than 135, the benefit fund is about to be closed.

"A lot of families haven't contact us," said fund spokesperson Maggie Urpin. "We want to let people know we still have money in the Metrolink fund."

On Sept. 12, 2008, Ventura-bound Metrolink 111 ran a red light and crashed head on into a Union Pacific freight train just after leaving the Chatsworth station.

The Metrolink fund was established in September 2008 by the Simi Valley Community Foundation to help provide families of victims with medical and funeral expenses as well as any other assistance with expenses related to the crash.

The Simi Valley Community Foundation is a charitable foundation under the umbrella of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Donations have been received from Sempra Energy Foundation, Southern California Edison and people and businesses in the community, Urpin said. Simi Valley High School students also collected money for the fund.

Applications for aid for "life-sustaining needs" will be accepted through April 30.

To apply contact Maggie Urpin at (805) 520-8222 or at muprin@simichamber.org. For more information about the Metrolink Victim's Benefit Fund call (805) 526-3900 or visit www.simichamber.org.

—Joann Groff