Investigation into Thursday's Deadly Train Accident in Midland Begins
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: November 16, 2012
The NTSB team of 16 started their investigation into Thrusday's accident on Friday morning. All their findings are preliminary.
The train that struck the flatbed had a forward facing camera, and the video from that camera is headed to Washington, DC to be reviewed.
That video, along with eyewitness testimony, and information from the signal box will be used to help determine exactly what happened Thursday. They will also be looking to see if the arm gates on the crossing went down, or if the train lights and sounds went off.
NTSB Board Member Mark Rosekind said they were aware of a power outage in the area prior to the accident. They will be looking into that event to see if it had any impact on the crossing gates or the bells on the crossing.
"It's the why that allows us as an agency to determine what safety recommendations are needed to make sure theses kinds of accidents don't happen in the future," said Rosekind.
Another area investigators will be looking at is if all permits were filed and followed prior to the parade Thursday.
Investigators Friday could determine that the train was traveling 62 MPH at the time of the crash, along a corridor where the maximum speed was 70 MPH.
The driver of the truck gave a voluntary blood sample Thursday, according to investigators. The NTSB will be looking at the driver's performance record, health, rest over the 72 hours prior to the accident, driving history, qualifications, and medical history.
Investigators said they will spend between 7 and 10 days on scene collecting all evidence and information. It could take months, or even a year before a conclusion is reached.
The train that struck the flatbed had a forward facing camera, and the video from that camera is headed to Washington, DC to be reviewed.
That video, along with eyewitness testimony, and information from the signal box will be used to help determine exactly what happened Thursday. They will also be looking to see if the arm gates on the crossing went down, or if the train lights and sounds went off.
NTSB Board Member Mark Rosekind said they were aware of a power outage in the area prior to the accident. They will be looking into that event to see if it had any impact on the crossing gates or the bells on the crossing.
"It's the why that allows us as an agency to determine what safety recommendations are needed to make sure theses kinds of accidents don't happen in the future," said Rosekind.
Another area investigators will be looking at is if all permits were filed and followed prior to the parade Thursday.
Investigators Friday could determine that the train was traveling 62 MPH at the time of the crash, along a corridor where the maximum speed was 70 MPH.
The driver of the truck gave a voluntary blood sample Thursday, according to investigators. The NTSB will be looking at the driver's performance record, health, rest over the 72 hours prior to the accident, driving history, qualifications, and medical history.
Investigators said they will spend between 7 and 10 days on scene collecting all evidence and information. It could take months, or even a year before a conclusion is reached.
