WASHINGTON DC – More than
two years after it happened, a tragic accident that killed six when a
Metro-North train struck an SUV on the tracks at a crossing in Valhalla,
the National Transportation Safety Board has issued its comprehensive
findings.
Five of the dead were passengers in the front car of the Metro North train.
The driver of the SUV also died.
One key factor was the SUV driver who stopped on the tracks, got out of
her vehicle, then back in, but did not move after the crossing gates came
down. Also critical was the third rail, which impaled the lead car of
the Metro North train, traveling at 59 miles per hour. The third rail
was not designed to break apart under severe impact.
A lesser factor was the design of the Commerce Street crossing, at a 60-degree
angle, rather than the 90-degree, or perpendicular design of other crossings
in the Town of Mount Pleasant.
Medical conditions, alcohol and drugs, possible fatigue and distraction
while driving, including use of a cell phone, were not factors, the report
concluded.
Recommendations include thorough risk assessment at all levels from railroad
administration, departments of transportation at the state, county and
local levels and corrective action where needed.
“The next train is always coming,” concluded Acting Chairman
Robert Sumwalt, prior to the board voting unanimously to accept the findings
and recommendations.
