Attorneys in Metrolink crash promise 'explosive' new details
Attorneys representing victims of a deadly Metrolink train crash in Chatsworth have scheduled a news conference for later today to announce what they claim are “explosive” new details regarding the catastrophe.
The Sept. 12 collision between the commuter train and a Union Pacific freight train killed 25 people and injured 135 others. Federal safety investigators have said that Metrolink locomotive engineer Robert M. Sanchez sent and received dozens of text messages from his cellphone while on duty the day of the crash -– a violation of the commuter line’s policy. The last message was sent just 22 seconds before impact, according to preliminary findings by the National Transportation Safety Board.
In announcing their news conference, the attorneys did not disclose details about their new information. But in a lawsuit filed two weeks ago, they alleged that Metrolink and its contractor that operates the trains had knowledge of engineers text-messaging while at work.
They “allowed their trains to be operated by locomotive engineers who were known to be using cellphones on duty (and sending and receiving text messages), in violation of existing railroad operation rules,” according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
“They also knew that ... employees had violated railroad rules prohibiting use of cellphones while operating trains.” The lawsuit provided no specifics about the alleged cellphone use by engineers or whether there was evidence that Metrolink or its contractor knew that Sanchez had sent text messages.
Federal investigators said Sanchez, who was killed in the collision, was supposed to stop at a red signal just ahead of a switch mechanism intended to guide the Union Pacific train to a side rail. Instead, Sanchez barreled over the switch at 42 mph, bending it badly, before slamming into the southbound freight carrier on a sharp curve about a quarter of a mile past the light, according to federal investigators.
A multi-agency probe, which is being led by the NTSB, will take months to determine a probable cause. We’ll be at the news conference and keep you updated.
--Robert J. Lopez and Rich Connell
The error is in allowing commuter and freight trains to use the same tracks at the same time. When commuter trains are running, they should never be in a situation where they might be going head-on with other trains.
Posted by: MrVincent | January 06, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Why the drama? The lawyers don't serve the public by releasing a breathless announcement of a press conference. Just publish the information and be available to answer questions.
Posted by: Randy | January 06, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Vincent:
In the railroad industry, only one train is allowed to be on the tracks at one time. This is a rule way over 100 years old. You also aren't allowed to run a red light. And you are supposed to be doing your job. I think you need to read the story again. It clearly says that one train ran a red light, damaged a switch set for the train in the other direction and was the cause of the collision.
Just for reference, the industry doesn't want any type of train to hit, ever. I don't know why you are trying to change the concept here. No trains are to ever hit. It doesn't matter what type of train or cargo. OK?
Posted by: S.S. Sam Taylor | January 06, 2009 at 12:43 PM
How do they know that they knew?
Posted by: Spokker | January 07, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Even with commuter only trains - this still could have happened - it is not the type of train, but the fact that two trains were on the same track going opposite directions at the same time.
100% double track on all main lines is the answer - but with our tax laws, etc. we do everything we can to prevent this, plus the fact that railroads don't want to spend the money unless it means a profit.
Posted by: Bob | January 07, 2009 at 10:17 AM