Bronx train derailment blamed on excessive speed, traveling 82 in 30 MPH zone
Officials are now claiming that the train which derailed over the weekend in Bronx, New York was traveling at nearly three times the posted speed limit.
Federal Safety officials say the event recorders aboard the train clocked it at 82 MPH as it headed into the 30 MPH curve.
National Transportation Safety Board member Earl Weener told reporters that the data shows the engineer cut the throttle and slammed on the brakes, but those moves came “very late in the game.”
“This is raw data off the event recorders, so it tells us what happened. It doesn’t tell us why it happened,” Weener said.
The throttle was still engaged, powering the train until six seconds before the locomotive in the rear of the train stopped. The crash killed four people, injuring more than 70.
Investigators questioned the engineer, William Rockefeller, and the rest of the train crew on Monday. Rockefeller told investigators he applied the brakes, but the train didn’t slow down, officials stated.
Weener added that there is no indication of brake problems.
The train’s recorded speed is not only far faster than the rated speed for the curve where the derailment occurred, it’s faster than the 70 mph posted for the section of track that led into the curve, Weener said.
Weener said authorities will be looking at the engineer’s recent work history and will examine his mobile phone.
Photo: screenshot of CNN video coverage HERE
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