Signal Failure Cited in D.C. Train Crash

NTSB: Problems Began After Equipment Was Replaced 5 Days Before Deadly Metro Crash

(AP)  Investigators say equipment that is supposed to detect stopped trains in Washington, D.C., failed periodically in the days leading up to a deadly Metro transit train crash.

Nine people were killed and more than 70 injured June 22 when a train slammed into another train stopped on the tracks near the Maryland state line.

The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that the signal system problems began occurring after a piece of equipment was replaced June 17, five days before the crash. The NTSB says the signaling system at the crash site also failed intermittently during tests after the crash.

Metro did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

[dwright1now]

If there was problems with the line than who ever signed off to let those trains runs needs to be charged with manslaughter and thrown to the wolves. Probably a left over from the FEMA officials who were let go during Bush.

[bobnjersey]

[The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that the signal system problems began occurring after a piece of equipment was replaced June 17, five days before the crash. The NTSB says the signaling system at the crash site also failed intermittently during tests after the crash. ]

ahh ... if the problems occurred 'after' the equip was replaced ... then the process of replacing it was a failure.

normally ... in the real world ... you replace something because 'it' is the problem ... and the replacing of it resolves the problem ... not introduces it.

those who signed off on this better start looking for the justification for doing this ... and they better hope they have the test procedure and documentation handy for this particular change ... cause they got some explain'n to do.

[darthcheney345]

Those intermittent problems are the worst.

Somebody is going to get thrown to the wolves for this.