When a terrible incident occurs such as the one this week in Washington, D.C., there are often two levels of discussions that begin in earnest. One level began today when the Mayor of Washington, D.C. blamed local and state officials for the failure to properly oversee the train system and for a failure to invest money in safety. The other, more tangible level of discussion also began today when officials began to uncover what may have led to the crash that now leaves the death total at 9 with 76 injuries.
According to ABC News:
“The National Transportation Safety Board had twice warned that trains like the ones involved in the Monday wreck could be dangerous to passengers.
Fenty’s comments came as the NTSB learned that the operator of the D.C. Metro train that crashed into a stopped train ahead of it likely hit the emergency brake before the impact, but the breaks may have been behind schedule for maintenance.
“There are control positions that are consistent with the application of the emergency brake,” NTSB investigator Debbie Hersman told “Good Morning America.”
The NTSB is also looking into reports that the emergency brakes aboard that train were two months overdue for maintenance, but it has not been able to confirm those reports.
Officials said Metro trains travel above sensors along the rail that can automatically detect when trains are getting too close to one another. The computerized system is designed to stop them from coming within 1,200 feet of each other.”
If either of these two theories prove to be true, then an enormous amount of liability could be attached to several parties if wrongful death lawsuits are brought. If you or someone you love has been injured in a train accident, contact the attorneys at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Wed, Jun 24, 2009
Train Accidents