SAN BRUNO, Calif. — National Transportation Safety Board officials say they will be trying to determine why positive train control didn’t prevent the accident as part of their investigation of the March 10 collision and fire involving a Caltrain commuter train.
Thirteen people were reported injured after the train struck on-track equipment involved in the Caltrain electrification in the Thursday morning accident. KGO-TV reports John Manutes, who is leading the NTSB investigation, said the agency “can confirm that positive train control was on and active” at the time of the of the collision.
Investigators will also be looking to determine why the work equipment was on the tracks during the late-morning commuting period.
The ongoing investigation led Caltrain to run an abbreviated schedule on Friday — with a bus bridge around the accident site — and to continue the bus bridge on Saturday. The route was cleared for a resumption of service on Sunday.
The NTSB expects to complete its preliminary report — outlining the basic facts of the accident — in about three weeks. A full report, dealing with probable cause and any safety recommendations, could take up to 18 months.
The San Mateo Daily Journal reports 75 people were on the train at the time of the accident. The injuries for the 13 who were hurt were said to not be life-threatening.
Share this article
