Warning Signals Eyed In Fatal GOP Train Crash

The Associated Press reports:

Benny Layne, on whose property the truck landed, said the crossing arms had been known to malfunction, sometimes coming down even though no train was approaching. Sometimes, he said, they stayed down for hours. He said motorists would get out of their cars to help guide other motorists around the malfunctioning arms so they could cross the tracks. “A guy was up here just yesterday or the day before taking a look at them,” he said.

Carrie Brown, human resources manager at Buckingham Branch Railroad, which leases the stretch of track and is responsible for maintenance, said she was unaware of any problems with equipment at the crossing. At a Wednesday night news conference, NTSB spokesman Earl Weener said signal experts would be looking at the safety of the crossing.

Authorities gave no details on the cause of the wreck, which took place at a crossing protected by gates, flashing lights, bells and warning signs. The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to investigate and would spend several days at the site, Weener said Wednesday night.

The New York Post reports:

The passenger of a garbage truck who was killed when an Amtrak train carrying dozens of Republican members of Congress slammed into it was identified as a 28-year-old Virginian. Christopher Foley, of Louisa County, couldn’t be saved, while the truck driver was taken by ground to the University of Virginia Medical Center with serious injuries, and the other passenger was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, WTVR reported. Two Amtrak crew members also were transported to a hospital, along with two passengers. Their injuries were considered minor.