NTSB Recorder Specialist Cassandra Johnson works with officials on the scene of the Amtrak Train 188 Derailment in Philadelphia. (NTSB photo)
Amtrak

FBI Investigating Whether Object Hit Amtrak Train Before Derailment

The FBI will investigate a report that the Amtrak train involved in this week’s deadly derailment was hit by a projectile before crashing, according to news reports. Eight people were killed Tuesday after New York-bound Amtrak train 188 derailed north of Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. According to a CNN report, a SEPTA train was struck by an object around the same time. A conductor told the NTSB she thought she overheard engineer Brandon Bostian tell the SEPTA train via radio the Amtrak train had also been struck.

Member Robert Sumwalt on the scene of the Amtrak Train #188 Derailment in Philadelphia.
Amtrak

Boardman: ‘Amtrak takes full responsibility and deeply apologizes for our role in this tragic event’

Amtrak’s president and chief executive officer Joe Boardman sent the following letter on Friday: The derailment of Northeast Regional Train 188 was a terrible tragedy that we are responding to with every resource we have available. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the incident, and Amtrak is providing full cooperation. With truly heavy hearts, we mourn those who died. Their loss leaves holes in the lives of their families and communities. On behalf of the entire Amtrak family, I offer our sincere sympathies and prayers for them and their loved ones. Amtrak

NTSB Recorder Specialist Cassandra Johnson works with officials on the scene of the Amtrak Train 188 Derailment in Philadelphia. (NTSB photo)
Amtrak

Death Toll Reaches Eight in Tuesday Amtrak Derailment

The death toll from Tuesday’s Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia reached eight. Dozens more remain hospitalized. Investigators believe the train was traveling at more than 100 mph at the time of the wreck. The speed limit on the curve where the train derailed was 50 mph. All 243 people on board the train have been accounted for. Investigators are planning to interview the engineer. According to his attorney, the engineer has no recollection of the crash or the events leading up to the derailment, various media have reported. “With truly heavy hearts, we mourn those who died,” Amtrak CEO Joe Boardman

CSX

Association of American Railroads Honors CSX Employee for Environmental Excellence

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has recognized a CSX employee with the John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award for his outstanding environmental leadership, especially in the area of fuel efficiency. Suneil Kuthiala is a director of advanced engineering at CSX and has 14 years of service with the company in positions across engineering and technology. Currently, Kuthiala oversees the implementation and development of a technology solution, GE’s Trip Optimizer, to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “CSX has a strong record of industry leadership around environmental excellence, and I’m proud to see Suneil recognized with this

NTSB Recorder Specialist Cassandra Johnson works with officials on the scene of the Amtrak Train 188 Derailment in Philadelphia. (NTSB photo)
Amtrak

Amtrak Train Speeding at Time of Crash

The Amtrak train involved in yesterday’s deadly wreck in Philadelphia was traveling at more than 100 mph at the time of the crash, the NTSB said today. Seven people were killed and dozens injured after the Washington-to- New York train derailed north of Philadelphia at about 9:30 p.m. yesterday. The engineer has apparently declined to speak with investigators, according to news reports. Photos and videos from the crash site showed mangled train cars. One of Amtrak’s new ACS-64 locomotives was pulling the train. “No words can console those who lost loved ones in this terrible derailment,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi,