LIRR crash investigation focused on engineer's text, sleep patterns
Investigators added that experts in analyzing tracks, signals, mechanics and human performance, and other specialists were examining as many factors as possible that may have led to the crash.

NTSB

NTSB
NEW YORK — The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into last week’s Long Island Rail Road accident that injured 100 will focus on the engineer’s sleep pattern, whether he texted, and what he may have consumed during the 72 hours before the locomotive he was operating derailed Wednesday in Brooklyn, Newsday reports.
NTSB investigators added that experts in analyzing tracks, signals, mechanics and human performance, and other specialists were examining as many factors as possible that may have led to the crash. A federal source told Newsday that concerns about the engineer’s health suggest that sleep apnea may have been a factor and that the train made an “erratic” movement just before the crash.
NTSB investigators arrive at the scene of today's LIRR accident in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/obnHLptxjG
— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 5, 2017
The crash was the first rail accident investigated by the NTSB in 2017. For the full story, click here.
More Rail

New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →