NTSB Releases Preliminary Hoboken Crash Report

The report confirms the train was speeding at the time of the crash

What to Know

  • Rail service resumed at Hoboken Terminal on Monday, less than two weeks after a train derailed, killing 1 and injuring more than 100
  • The NTSB said the train's engineer can not remember the accident
  • Investigators are trying to reconstruct and test key systems on the crashed train

The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on the Hoboken train crash on Thursday, though it did not identify a cause for the deadly accident. 

The release confirms earlier reports that the train was going 21 miles per hour -- more than twice the station speed limit -- at the time of the crash, and that emergency brakes were deployed only literally at the last second.

NTSB investigators have already spoken to the train's engineer, Tommy Gallagher, a New Jersey Transit employee of nearly 30 years.

"He stated that when he checked the speedometer, he was operating at 10 mph upon entering the terminal track. He said he remembers waking up in the cab laying on the floor after the accident, but has no memory of the accident," the report said.

[NATL-NY] Dramatic Images: NJ Transit Train Crashes in Hoboken

Investigators are currently trying to repair and reconstruct damaged systems on the train for testing. The electrical system for brake, signal and propulsion control was destroyed in the crash. 

Otherwise, the report largely confirms details already known about the Sept. 29 crash that killed a woman on the platform and injured more than 100 other people. 

Eight of the 17 tracks at Hoboken Terminal reopened Monday, according to New Jersey Transit. Tracks 10 to 17 reopened, while tracks 1 to 9 will remain out of service until further notice as repair work continues in that section of the busy station. 

Crews have erected a big plywood wall to block off the area where the accident occurred, and foot traffic to the PATH was being diverted to another entrance. 

A vigil held for the victim of the Hoboken crash as new details emerge in the investigation. Stefan Holt reports.

With rail service in and out of the terminal running on a modified schedule, NJ Transit has warned commuters that its bus, rail and light rail services may experience crowding conditions and delays. 

A new rule will require that the conductor join the engineer whenever a train pulls into the terminal. That means a second set of eyes will be watching as a train enters the final phase of its trip at stations where there are platforms at the end of the rails.

A final determination on the cause of the crash could be months off.  

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us