Brightness of red light a focus on Metrolink crash probe

A critical red light that a Metrolink train ran just before slamming into a freight train in Chatsworth was not as visible as green and yellow signals displayed by the same trackside warning device, investigators probing the disaster have found.

The clarity of the stop light, as well as possible violations of communication rules by the commuter train's crew, have become key focus points in the federal inquiry into the deadliest rail accident in modern California history.

"We did some signal inspections. Can't hardly see the red," one investigator told another just before the pair ducked into a closed-door briefing three days after the Sept. 12 crash. Now, similar observations have gained acceptance among investigators in the multi-agency inquiry, which is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

"It was the unanimous consensus of the investigative team that the red was not as illuminated or clear or clearly lit," said one knowledgeable source who requested anonymity because of restrictions on comments about the inquiry.

Read the rest of the story here.

--Rich Connell and Robert J. Lopez

Photo: LAT file

Comments

[Ruby Jackson]

So what if the engineer couldn't see the red light. If he had been paying attention, he would not have seen a green light, which is just as important. No green, no go.

[Stephen]

If I'm not mistaken, when a red light is not visible, it should be acted upon as a red light anyway. This is so that in cases such as this where the red appears not visible or is burnt out, you still treat it as a red until the next signal block.

[Ruby Jackson]

You are correct, Stephen. The only time to move the train is on a green light.

This finding will only serve to expose the operator of the lights (Metrolink? Amtrak?) to liability, even though the fault is entirely on the engineer and conductor.