Probe into fatal New York train collision

US authorities are investigating last night’s rail crash in which a New York commuter train ploughed into a car stuck on the track.

Seven people were killed and a dozen were injured – 11 seriously – in the collision, which happened during the evening rush hour.

Hundreds were on board the train as it headed through the city’s wealthy northern suburbs.

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo visited the scene:
“You have seven people who started out today to go about their business, and aren’t going to be making it home tonight. And it’s a painful reminder to all of us how precious life is,” he said.

The collision at the level crossing sparked an explosion and fire, causing panic. A rail from the track tore through the train’s first carriage.

Passengers described frightening scenes as the train was evacuated.

“The smoke was orange coming off the train, it was still on fire at that point. The front car was billowing heavy smoke out of the windows and doors,” said Jared Woodard, an employee of BGC Financial in New York, who was on the train travelling home to Chappaqua.

“I saw a car engulfed in fire. I saw the train also had a fire that was quickly moving through it. And I saw people trying to get off that train. And I saw the people at the front of the train that needed immediate medical assistance,” said paramedic Angelo Ortiz.

Hundreds of passengers from the eight-car train were taken to a rock-climbing gym for shelter, authorities said.

Those who died numbered six passengers as well as the driver of the vehicle.

She was reportedly seen briefly trying to push the jeep off the track, before getting back into the car just before the collision.

It is not known how the car came to be stalled on the railway line.

The train had left Grand Central Terminal in midtown Manhattan at 5.44pm local time, and was headed north to Wassaic in southeast New York state.

The Harlem Line is part of the Metro-North Railroad commuter rail service, which runs five lines.

Tuesday’s crash is the latest in a string of accidents involving Metro-North trains in recent years, which have drawn strong criticism.

One derailed near the northern edge of New York City on December 1, 2013, killing four and injuring 70. It was travelling nearly three times over the speed limit for the section of track where it crashed, investigators said.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a report late last year that identified common safety issues with the railroad following inquiries into five accidents.

SOURCE: euronews