9 Confirmed Dead in DC Metro Crash
By injuheis on June 24, 2009
Authorities have confirmed that 9 passengers involved in the May 22, 2009 D.C. Metro train collision have died. Though the identities of all victims has not been revealed, the age range for those victims who have been identified ranges from age 23 to age 64.
The operator of the train, Jeanice McMillan, 42, was among those killed in the D.C. area crash. Metro spokeswoman, Candace Smith reported that, of the nine confirmed dead, seven victims were women and two were men.
It still remains unclear as to which train the deceased passengers were on – the train that was stationary or the train that was mobile.
At the time of the report, it was stated by Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty that two people, of the total 76 victims who were treated at local area hospitals, remained in critical condition. A third victim has been upgraded from critical condition.
The accident that caused these injuries resulted when two D.C. Red line transit trains collided. Though the specific causes of the accident remain unknown, it is speculated that the train’s computerized signal system failed. The system is supposed to automatically slow trains down and come to a complete stop to prevent them from colliding with other trains. The crash occurred around 5 p.m. EST on Monday, June 22, 2009.
As of Tuesday, June 23, it was reported that rescue personnel worked throughout the night in an ongoing rescue effort. According to D.C. Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin, the first car that rammed into the non-moving car was compressed by as 75 percent. A heavy crane was brought in during the night to assist with rescue efforts. The scene is still being processed as a rescue effort.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.
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