Metrolink Engineer Text Messaged Before Fatal Crash
The engineer of a Metrolink commuter train that crashed and killed 25 and injured at least 130 people in California last year, was planning to let a railroad fan operate the locomotive on the day of the accident. According to this article by the Associated Press that appeared on Philly.com, a transcript of the text messages by engineer Robert Sanchez was released this week. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened a two-day hearing into the collision that outlined the days and minutes that led up to the deadly crash.
The text messages showed that Sanchez allowed a fan to ride in the cab several days before the crash. He was also planning to let him run the train between four stations on the evening of the crash.
Federal investigators said Sanchez sent and received 57 text messages while on duty that day. One was sent 22 seconds before his train slammed head-on into the freight train. The large number of text messages was not uncommon for the engineer in the days leading up to the crash. Sanchez died on-the-job in the crash.
According to the article, there was no sign of mechanical error involving the Metrolink train that was carrying 220 passengers. The evidence is consistent with the Metrolink engineer failing to stop. The Metrolink Train and the Union Pacific Train were traveling at about 40 miles per hour when they crashed into each other. The NTSB panel conducting the hearing focused on cell phone use by train crew members; the operation of trackside signals designed to prevent collisions; and oversight and compliance with safety procedures during the crash.
The conductor of the Metrolink train argued that the signal light was actually green as the train left the station about a mile from the crash site. He also told investigators he had warned a supervisor months before the deadly crash about Sanchez’s on-duty cell phone use. He was assured two days before the collision that his concern would be addressed.
This is the basis of dozens of wrongful death lawsuits claiming that Connex Railroad LLC, the contractor that provides engineers who run Metrolink trains, was aware of the cell phone use, but did nothing about it.
The crash prompted a federal ban on cell phone use by rail workers and led Congress to pass a new law requiring so-called “positive train control” technology that can stop a train if it’s headed for a collision.
Train engineers are responsible for the safe transportation of their passengers. The victims of this crash and their families would be well-advised to retain the services of an experienced personal attorney who will make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable for what happened.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to negligence in Pennsylvania, we can assist you in evaluating your case. Contact a skilled Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at Cherry, Fieger, & Marciano today.
