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
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.
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