NJ TRANSIT Crash Investigation: NTSB Says No Signal Problems Found At Hoboken Terminal
HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The National Transportation Safety Board said there were no signal problems leading into Hoboken Terminal where a NJ TRANSIT train crashed, killing a woman and injured more than 100 people.
Signals leading to the terminal appear to be working normally, the NTSB said Saturday, adding a full study can't be completed yet because the train is still in the station following Thursday's crash. Structural issues are preventing crews from removing the train.
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Investigators have interviewed train engineer Thomas Gallagher, but the NTSB did not provide further details about the interview.
The NTSB said NJ TRANSIT has provided video from other trains that were at the terminal the day of the crash, but investigators still have been unable to access the data recorder and onboard surveillance footage from the train's front cab.
"As soon as the site is safe, the NTSB will retrieve the other event recorder from the lead cab car as well as the forward facing image recorder," NTSB Vice Chairman T. Bella Dinh-Zarr said Friday.
A data recorder pulled from the rear of the train has been sent to the manufacturer. Inside may be critical clues as to why NJ TRANSIT Train 1614 barreled into Hoboken Terminal, killing 34-year-old Fabiola Bittar De Kroon.
"Investigators will use that information to validate speed, distance traveled, the throttle inputs, the brake application," Dinh-Zarr said.
Investigators are also examining crew members' personal details like medications, alcohol use, and sleep. A toxicology lab in Oklahoma City is testing Gallagher's blood.
On Saturday morning PATH and Light Rail lines are running through Hoboken, operating on a weekend schedule.
NJ TRANSIT is warning passengers of delays and crowding.
NJ TRANSIT trains remain suspended into and out of Hoboken at the investigation continues.
Investigators are expected to be on the scene for at least seven days.
