Train Accidents Archives
Investigators Confirm; Engineer Text Messaging During Chatsworth Metrolink Crash
September 19, 2008 08:23 AM
Federal investigators and the National Transportation Safety Board have confirmed that Robert Sanchez, the engineer operating the Metrolink train which crashed last Friday, was sending text messages moments before the deadly collision which left 25 dead and another 135 injured.
Currently, there is no federal or state law which prevents the use of cell phones used by railroad employees. Yesterday, the California Public Utilities Commission unanimously passed an emergency order to ban the use of mobile phones and other personal electronic devices while operating a train.
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Train Accidents Archives
California Law Will Ban Cell Phone Use by Train Operators Amid Chatsworth Metrolink Crash
September 16, 2008 08:52 AM
In less that a week after the deadly Metrolink train crash in Chatsworth, the California Public Utilities Commission has proposed a policy in California that would prohibit railroad operators from the personal use of cell phones and other wireless devices.
Speculation has increased over the cause of the crash, and reports surrounding the use of a cell phone to send text messages have become a focal point of investigation. Two teenagers from Chatsworth have told local news agencies that they received text messages just moments before the crash from Robert Sanchez, the engineer who is being blamed for the cause of the crash.
The emergency order proposed by the CPUC will also call on the Federal Railroad Administration to institute further safety measures on all railways in the United States. It is expected that the CPUC will vote for the emergency order this Thursday, September 18. It is expected to pass unanimously.
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Train Accidents Archives
Metrolink Spokeswoman Resigns; Chatsworth Train Crash Investigation Continues
September 15, 2008 08:05 AM
Denise Tyrell, the Metorlink spokeswoman who announced that an Engineer’s mistake caused the deadly Chatsworth train crash has resigned. Tyrell’s statement was considered premature by the Metrolink board. The National Safety Transportation Board announced on Sunday that it was indeed an engineer’s mistake which lead to the deadly train crash just north of Los Angeles.
Investigators are now looking into the possibility that the engineer who is being blamed for the crash may have been sending text messages immediately prior to the crash.
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Train Accidents Archives
Emergency Recovery Complete in Chatsworth Metrolink Train Crash; Partial List of Deceased
September 14, 2008 11:37 AM
Two days after the worst train accident in the history of Los Angeles, emergency crews and authorities completed their recovery. The death toll currently stands at 25, with over 40 people in critical condition being treated at local hospitals.
Speculation has surrounded the cause of the crash and the National Transportation Safety Board, who is leading the investigation is holding on making any statements until their investigation is complete. Metrolink however, has blamed an engineer, Robert Sanchez, who was operating the Metrolink train. It is purported that Sanchez missed a red light.
Reports have also been going around that Sanchez was sending text messages moments before the crash and that he may have been distracted. These reports however are unfounded and are pure speculation at this time.
The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office has release the following names of individuals who were killed in the Chatsworth Metrolink Accident:
Aiken, Christopher, 37
Arnold, Dennis V., 75
Brower, Dean Lafoy, 51
Buckley, Alan Lloyd, 59
Chao, Yi, 71
Desha, Spree, 35
Fuller, Walter Arney, 54
Hammersly, Michael A., 45
Hefter, Jacob Allen, 18
Hsieh, Kari
Kish II, Ernest Stephen, 47
Linter, Gregory, 48
Macias, Manuel, 31
Magdaleno, Aida, 19
Peck, Charles E., 58
Pompel, Howard Barry, 69
Ramata, Donna Lynn, 49
Souser, Doyle Jay, 56
Villalobos, Maria Elena, 28,
Vyas, Atul, 30
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Train Accidents Archives
UPDATE: Chatsworth Metrolink Crash Caused by Engineer; Lawyers for Chatsworth Train Crash
September 14, 2008 01:32 AM
Metrolink announced today that the cause of the deadly train crash in Chatsworth, California, just north of Los Angeles, was the failure of an engineer to stop the train at a red light. It is reported that the trains were travelling approximately 40 mph each when the head on collision occurred in Chatsworth Friday afternoon.
Metrolink also stated that the engineer was a subcontractor hired by Veolia Transportation and was working for Connex Railroad, a subsidiary. He was killed in the crash. Emergency rescue crews recovered three data recorders from both trains and a video recorder from the freight train.
Of the 140 plus people who were injured in the crash, nearly 40 are in critical condition and being treated at local hospitals. The total death toll has risen to 25 as of Saturday night.
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Train Accidents Archives
Cause of Chatsworth Metrolink Crash: Engineer Error – BREAKING NEWS
September 14, 2008 01:22 AM
UPDATE: 9/13/2008 at 3:35pm
Death toll has been increased to 25
Deinse Tyrrell, spokeswoman for Metrolink says the probable cause for the Chatsworth Metrolink crash yesterday was a Metrolink Engineer’s error in failing to stop his train at a red light. Metrolink has been hiring its engineers from out outside company since 1998.
Metrolink has released the following statement:
"At this time, Metrolink's preliminary investigation has revealed that yesterday's incident may have been the result of human factors and/or the railroad signal system on Metrolink's part. We will be working with the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) to complete a thorough investigation as to the exact cause of yesterday's collision.
NTSB TO TAKE OVER INVESTIGATION OF RAIL COLLISION
Railroad Investigator Wayne Workman will serve as Investigator-in-Charge and lead the NTSB team. NTSB Board Member Kitty Higgins will serve as principal spokesman during the on-scene investigation. Terry Williams will accompany the team as press officer.
All media inquiries regarding the investigation of the September 12th collision should be directed to Mr. Williams. He may be reached on his cell phone (202-557-1350)."
Stay posted for more updates soon.
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Train Accidents Archives
Free Legal Consultation for Chatsworth Metrolink Train Crash Victims and Families
September 13, 2008 09:54 AM
If you have lost a loved one or have been injured as a result of yesterday’s Metrolink train crash in Chatsworth, attorneys at the law firm of Slaughter & Slaughter are standing by this weekend to provide you with a free legal consultation of your claim. Call now toll-free: 888.222.8286 or 310.882.6810.
Many questions remain to be answered: How did this happen? Did warning signs malfunction? Was it human error? Were safety protocols not followed? Were the train engineers properly trained?
Our attorneys will be available throughout the weekend to provide a free legal consultation of your claim and speak with you about any questions you may have. Don’t delay or guess about your legal rights. 888.222.8286 or 310.882.6810
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Train Accidents Archives
Chatsworth Metrolink Train Crash Death Toll Rises: UPDATE
September 13, 2008 09:36 AM
In an update to yesterday’s devastating Metrolink train crash in Los Angeles, authorities announced that more victims were found among the wreckage pushing the death toll to 24 with nearly 140 people hurt. The impact of the Metrolink train with the freight train was so severe that emergency workers expect the search to continue through Sunday.
A spokesperson from The Federal Railroad Administration, a governmental agency in-charge of railroad safety regulations stated that they are nowhere near finding the cause of this crash and an investigation is underway.
Please check back for more updates or visit our original Los Angeles Metrolink train crash post. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of this crash, call today and speak with one of our attorneys for a free legal consultation. Do not guess about your legal rights or the value of your case. Our team of attorneys is standing by and available throughout the weekend: 888.222.8286 or 310.882.6810.
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Train Accidents Archives
Metrolink Train Accident in Los Angeles UPDATE
September 13, 2008 12:56 AM
In an update to yesterday's tragic Metrolink train crash in Los Angeles, firefighters and emergency crews continue to clear the wreckage along the tracks.
Desoto Avenue has been shut down while nearly 200 emergency crew members continue to work throughout the night to go through the rubble.
You can visit our previous entry on this horrific Metrolink train crash for information.
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Train Accidents Archives
Deadly Los Angeles Train Crash; Over 100 Injured and 15 Dead
September 13, 2008 12:48 AM
UPDATE 09/13/08: Death toll rises to 18
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A tragic train crash in Chatsworth, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, leaves between 18 - 20 dead with over 100 people injured; many of those severe. At around 4:30pm on Friday, September 12, 2008, a commuter Metrolink train, Ventura County Line collided head-on into a Union Pacific freight train causing a horrific scene of mangled debris, fires and emergency workers fighting diligently to rescue those passengers trapped inside. The Metrolink commuter train was carrying nearly 300 passengers.
While an investigation is underway as to the cause of this train accident, it appears that both trains were on the same track. It is unclear as to why the two trains were headed towards one another on the same track. Authorities including the Mayor of Los Angeles has said that while no evidence of wrongdoing has been found, the scene is being treated as a crime scene. A Metrolink spokesperson said that a failure has taken some place along the line.
Metrolink train accidents remain one of the most catastrophic that have occurred in Los Angeles. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have been killed or seriously injured as a result of this train crash in Chatsworth.
If a loved one has been killed or seriously injured as a result of this Metrolink crash in Los Angeles, it is important that you seek the proper legal advice immediately. An independent investigation must be launched and your rights must be protected. There are time limits in which you have to bring a claim for this train crash. Do not guess about your legal rights. Call today and speak with one of our attorneys for a FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION.
Our phone lines are available 24/7 and throughout the weekend. Don't delay, call now. 888.222.8286 or 310.882.6810. Our lawyers will come to you!
Below are emergency information and updates:
According to emergency response agencies, injured Metrolink passengers are being transported to the following hospitals:
UCLA Medical Center
Northridge Medical Center
Holy Cross Medical Center
Mission Hills Hospital
Family members of passengers on board train 111, please call (800) 371-LINK for information.
L.A. Fire Dept. has released the following two numbers to call for information on hospital patients:
(213) 847-2117 and (213) 847-2118
TELECONFERENCE MEETING NOTICE - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
10:00 A.M., SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
An emergency meeting/closed session of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority Board of Directors by teleconference call to discuss a threat to public services and facilities will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday September 13, 2008 pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956.5 and 54957.
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