PA - Amtrak train from Washington crashes in Philadelphia, May 2015

[al66pine]

....Why would the engineer lawyer up?
All of this happened within 11 minutes so he didn't fall asleep, imo. ....

bbm sbm

OBE You're right, seems logical that engineer did not have time to fall asleep in 11 min.

But do we know when he started on duty -
- at the station 11 min prior, or
- hooouuurrrs before then?

 

[corundogs]

Michigan native killed in Amtrak derailment

Rachel Jacobs last seen on her way to board train

Author: Local 4 - ClickOnDetroit news staff, [email protected]

Published On: May 13 2015 01:17:31 PM EDT Updated 27 m

ApprenNet CEO Rachel Jacobs was killed in Tuesday night's Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia, Local 4 has confirmed.

Jacobs was a native of Huntington Woods, Mich., and graduated from Berkley High School. Her mother, Gilda Jacobs, is a former state representative who now heads up the Michigan League for Public Policy.

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," read a statement from Jacobs' family. "Rachel was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend.She was devoted to her family, her community and the pursuit of social justice. We cannot imagine life without her. We respectfully ask for privacy so that we can begin the process of grieving." ...

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan-native-missing-after-amtrak-derailment/32999634

Thanks BDE. Is she included in the 7 reported, or does she make 8? Not that it really matters, just curious.

Glad the family at least got some answers...

 

[Elphaba]

I was wondering if they had multi trip tickets as many people take Amtrack on a frequent/regular basis.

My daughter will be a freshman in college next fall and I had thought, "this is great she can take the train when she wants to come home."

Yeah, Amtrak has 3 levels of multi-ride tickets that makes it very easy to catch a ride when you need to. At the end of the day, it will still be a great way for your daughter to travel. I take the DC to NYP trains when I travel to NYC and I can tell you, while what happened last night is scary, I would still gladly use Amtrak to get to NYC.

I'm still getting caught up on what has transpired since the crash… I was shocked to hear that the train was at a triple digit speed when it crashed. I don't think I have ever been on a train going through Philly that fast… even the Acela creeps through there. It doesn't surprise me that the engineer lawyered-up, but if he was at fault then he needs to own his mistake and face the music… don't play any games and make this any harder on the investigators, victims and families.

 

[Bravo]

3 miles per mcnbc

Good to see ya CARIIS as always. Thanks for answering but i have read the 10 or 11 miles as well.

 

[Bravo]

NTSB-all but two cars have been removed. Initially told Investigators he could not recall the speed travelling. Per CNN

 

[Bravo]

LE getting a search warrant for Engineers phone (CNN)

 

[Snick1946]

I hope that's not the case as well. I'm sure it's standard procedure in a case like this to draw blood.

The stories I am seeing state he is not being cooperative with authorities so I assume that means he's not submitting to drug testing, maybe not. He sure lawyered up fast.

 

[Bravo]

I think it was reported testing was done. I would assume while he was at the hospital. Cant remember if I read it or heard it.

 

[corundogs]

The stories I am seeing state he is not being cooperative with authorities so I assume that means he's not submitting to drug testing, maybe not. He sure lawyered up fast.

I am not sure he could get out of that one. If he refused, they would get a warrant FAST!

 

[Bravo]

I am not sure he could get out of that one. If he refused, they would get a warrant FAST!

That they would. No way round that one.

 

[atthelake]

The stories I am seeing state he is not being cooperative with authorities so I assume that means he's not submitting to drug testing, maybe not. He sure lawyered up fast.

Union rep also ?

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

 

[Bravo]

Anderson Cooper was talking to other Reporters and one stated Amtrak has a policy of no cell phones. I would assume on their person while working? I tried to google this info but no luck. No link since it was CNN discussion.

 

[Bravo]

Union rep also ?

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

Good to see you atl :seeya: I would think so but have not heard or read such. A poster early in eluded to perhaps the Lawyer was from Union. No confirmation so far on either. That I'm aware of.

 

[LonghornSpeakEasy]

I am not sure he could get out of that one. If he refused, they would get a warrant FAST!

Zuri provided the following link earlier. It says the engineer has provided a blood sample, turned over his cell phone, and "is cooperating with authorities."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/GMABig/amtrak-engineer-helm-derailed-train/story?id=31023810

 

[Bravo]

I guess time will tell. Is he cooperating or not. Good part is even if he doesn't talk they should be able to piece together exactly what did happen. IMO

 

[Inthedetails]

Has anyone seen an explanation re engine separation? Was it caused -
- deliberately by engineer/RR employee action,
- automatically by RR system, or
- physics (?) of train collision?

"The engine pulling the train separated from the passenger cars and came to rest diagonally across another set of tracks."

^ from May 13 article w many photos & graphics
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/05/13/us/investigating-the-philadelphia-amtrak-train-crash.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Sorry if I missed discussion on this.

I'm pretty sure it's physics, and I'm sure we'll be hearing from crash experts soon too (either here at WS or in media). The momentum and weight was behind the first car. It's my understanding that the first car derailed but the cars behind it crashed.

 

[Bravo]

Another Victim identified Dr. Derrick Griffith :rose:

 

[CARIIS]

Fascinating interview MSNBC "The Last Word" Apparently the train has a overspped warning system that can be turned off. A buzer and alight goes off. He says a lot of engineers do this if they are trying to make up time. He said that it is not PCS, but will apply brakes if train is speeding. Not online yet tho

Robert Pottroff

He also stated that the speed limit ahead of the curve was 120 mph. It was also reported on THe Last Word - that the engineer did talk with police, gave a blood sample, and they have his cell phone. They have search warrent for phone, but attorney said he gave it willingly.

Hi Bravo!

He also said he will talk some more.......so again, the media!We shall see how it plays out and who got it wrong- !!

The Last Word tongihts broadcast! MSNBC

 

[Bravo]

I hope he has been cooperating and continues to. For his sake and all the Victims of this tragedy.

 

[rabidstoat]

A couple of points from this article: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/2...m_that_would_have_prevented_deadly_crash.html

1. The stretch of track before the 50mph speed limit curve had a speed limit of 80mph. So the 100+ mph was too fast for anywhere in that area.

2. "About a dozen" passengers were still missing, so the death toll is expected to rise.

The most prominent missing passenger (in terms of media coverage, that is), the female CEO with the last name of (I think) Jacobs, is reportedly a frequent traveler on the route. This makes it likely she gets some free upgrades, which means she might well have been in the doomed first business-class car.