New York, NY–The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) http://www.ntsb.gov revealed the circuit track of the DC Metro rail Red Line that malfunctioned on June 22 causing a major fatal train crash had a history of failures since December 2007. As reported by the Washington Post, NTSB officials continue to investigate the June 22, 2009, fatal railway crash of two Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) trains on the Red Line which left 9 total dead including passengers and an engineer.
Testing identified that circuit problems are occurring more frequently during rush hour, when commuter travel is at its highest, than other times of the day. The NTSB and WMATA continue to test the accident location on the Red Line after discovering and releasing the following information:
-June 17, 2009 an impedance bond on the crash site track circuit was replaced (5 days before the fatal two train collision)
-December 2007 replaced impedance bond (#14) was replaced on the other end of the crash site circuit
-Since the December 2007 replacement WMATA records show intermittent signal fluctuations.
The federal and local train crash investigation is also reviewing the automatic train control (ATC) operation and possible interferences with the system that may cause malfunctions. When trains and subways crash the damages and injuries are typically traumatic and often fatal. The federal government requires passenger and commuter train and subway systems to adhere to safety standards with regular maintenance and safety checks. Any disruptions, violations, or injuries must be reported to state and federal authorities. If a passenger suffers an injury because of insufficient maintenance or negligent operations of the subway or train line they may be able to recover compensation for their pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and financial hardship.
The New York personal injury law firm of Jonathan C. Reiter, a train accident attorney knows how to help injured commuters and travelers. The leading New York subway accident attorney has successfully litigated claims against the New York City Transit Authority. If you, or someone you know, has been injured or killed in a train crash, contacting a New York personal injury lawyer who has experience in litigating train crashes and subway accidents may help you and your family recover.
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