Train engineer sheds no light on reason for train crash

Maryland residents may have heard about the fatal train crash that occurred in New Jersey on Sept. 29. One person was killed and over 100 other people were injured when a train crashed into the station platform during the morning commute. On Oct. 2, the National Transportation Safety Board held a press conference to discuss what happened and answer questions.

According to the NTSB, the engineer who was operating the train when the fatal accident occurred has no recollection of what happened. The 48-year-old man was reportedly well rested when he started his workday at 6:46 a.m., and his cellphone had been shut off and stored. The engineer said that his only memories before the accident are blowing the horn, ringing the bell and checking his speedometer while he drove into the station at about 10 miles per hour.

When the engineer woke up on the floor of the train cab, his crowded train had to be evacuated. The train was reportedly filled with standing riders because there were only four cars that morning instead of five. A 34-year-old woman who had been standing on the platform was killed after she was hit by debris. Some of the injured victims remained in the hospital for several days.

People who have been injured in a train accident may face the need for extensive medical care and treatment, and in some cases they are unable to return to work for prolonged periods of time. An attorney could review the official accident investigation report and other evidence in order to pinpoint responsibility for the crash and thus determine who should be held financially responsible for those and other losses.

Source: NJ.com, “Train engineer doesn’t know what caused Hoboken crash, NTSB says,” Marisa Iati, Oct. 2, 2016