Investigation Underway in DC Metro Crash
By injuheis on June 25, 2009
In a statement released Monday, June 22, 2009, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) declared that:
“The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a go-team to investigate the collision of two Metro trains in Washington, DC….
…Railroad Investigator Ed Dobranetski is Investigator-in-Charge and is leading the team, which includes two specialists from the NTSB Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance.
NTSB Member Debbie Hersman will serve as the on- scene spokesman. Terry Williams is the press officer accompanying the team.”
It has been reported in an article that Metro trains are equipped with a fail-safe computerized signal system that is supposed to prevent train collisions. On-board computers control the rate at which the train travels and its braking system, while another system detects the location of other trains in the area in order to maintain a safe distance between the trains. In the event that the trains get too close, the trains are supposed to be automatically stopped so as to prevent collision.
Peter Goelz, former managing director at the NTSB, discussed the crash in an online forum. Questions dealt with the cause of the Washington D.C. train accident near Maryland and which preventative safety measures should have been set in place to prevent such a crash. Goelz declared that the investigation will give a lot of attention “to the automatic train control system and the operator’s actions.”
The possibility of operator distraction was also discussed (distraction involving the use of cell phones or other electronic devices, such as MP3 players). Operator inattention is another factor being called into question (seeing that the trains are operated via computer, the train operator supposedly does little more than open and close the doors of the train). Goelz reported that the NTSB “has broad investigative power and they can secure” information such as phone records to determine if drivers were on a phone at the time of an accident.
Goelz said that the trains involved in the crash were older models that needed to be replaced. The models involved did not include “event recorders” that would have provided insight into the cause of the accident. “Metro needs to commit to an absolute timetable to replace these older cars and the city needs to commit the funding necessary to get the job done,” said Goelz.
Goelz reported that the accident’s investigation may take anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing situation. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.
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.
Washington D.C. Metro Train Accident Kills 6, Injures Many More
By injuheis on June 22, 2009
A terrible Washington D.C. metro train accident has occurred today. The Associated Press recently reported that two, Red line transit trains collided in Washington D.C., severely injuring upwards of 70 people. At least six people have been confirmed dead as a result of the accident. Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash, although it is known that both trains were traveling on the same track. According to the D.C. Emergency Management Agency, “all passengers have been removed from the trains.”
Alan Ettner, District of Columbia fire spokesman described the event as a “mass casualty event.” Cars from one train jackknifed into the air, and fell onto the other train. The crash, which took place at the height of evening rush hour, occurred in the Washington D.C. area just outside of the Maryland border, in between the Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations. The two collided trains had to be cut apart in order to rescue passengers, many of whom were in visible shock. The crash is the deadliest in D.C. Metro history.
Passenger Jodie Wickett, a nurse and one of the passengers, remained at the scene to help out however she could. According to Wickett, “Lots of people were upset and crying, but there were no screams.” Another witness, Barry Student, was riding his bicycle near the Metro tracks when the crash occurred. He reported not seeing “any panic,” and labeled the “whole situation [as] surreal.”
John Catoe, Metro general manager, reported that at least 60 people have been rescued from the train wreckage, and could not offer any reason as to what caused the accident.
Amy Kudwa, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said that there is so far no indication that this incident was the result of any sort of terrorist act.
The Steve Heisler Injury Legal Team will continue to monitor this developing situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of victims of this terrible crash.