NTSB Recommends Metro-North Replace Bolts On Brand New Rail Cars
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A federal report stemming from the investigation into the May 2013 derailment of a Metro-North Railroad train found bolts on brand-new M-8 cars are too weak.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that Metro-North replace thousands of bolts on the fleet of more than 400 new Kawasaki rail cars on the New Haven line and New Canaan branch.
Federal Report Faults Bolts On New Metro-North Rail Cars
The NTSB said the bolts were not to blame for the derailment, but that their failure made the two-train collision worse because a piece of one car sliced into the passenger compartment of another.
On May 17, 2013, 60 people were injured when a Metro-North train derailed near Bridgeport, Conn., and slammed into another train in a violent crash that crushed train cars and twisted tracks.
GALLERY: Connecticut Train Collision
State Transportation Commissioner James Redeker said Monday that the M-8s meet all federal standards and are entirely safe.
"It's important for people to know that the system is safe, the bolts are safe, they actually meet or exceed the current standards," Redeker told WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau. "We're comfortable that the cars are manufactured well and safe."
Metro-North spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said M-8 cars are safe and comply with FRA requirements.
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