On May 12, 2015, a fatal Amtrak train crash occurred in Philadelphia that killed eight people and injured over 200. Now, federal crash investigators recently announced that the Amtrak engineer involved in the accident had not been using his cell phone around the time of the derailment as previously suspected.
Amtrak engineer Brandon Bostian is in hot water with his company as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched its investigation into how he conducted himself during the Amtrak 188 crash. The board’s investigators initially stated that Bostian had been using his cell phone regularly during the day in question, such as making calls, using data, and sending texts. But a more detailed examination of cell phone records determined otherwise, as the board directors delved deeper into the case.
According to the analysis, Bostian’s cell phone records did not indicate any calls, texts, or data use during the time the engineer was operating the train. Furthermore, Amtrak’s own records confirmed that he did not access the train’s Wi-Fi system while he was on shift. Bostian provided NTSB investigators with his cell phone’s pass code, which allowed investigators access to the data without having to go through his cell phone service manufacturer or provider.
As of now, Bostian has yet to comment on the investigation. The Amtrak 188 train was going over 100 miles per hour at the point where it entered the curvature into the northbound tracks, which is nearly twice the posted speed limit, at the time of the derailment. However, Bostian states that he has no recollection as to what happened during the crash or what may have led up to the crash.
Overview of the Amtrak Train Crash Allegations
As of May 15, 2015, at least one Amtrak crash lawsuit has been filed against the train company from another Amtrak engineer that was injured from the crash, and is suing for $150,000 in punitive damages. The Amtrak 188 crash lawsuit alleges that the train company’s reckless actions resulted in the crash, which also allegedly caused the plaintiff to suffer from traumatic brain injury, bodily harm, and emotional trauma.
Legal experts believe that this case is the first of many upcoming Amtrak 188 lawsuits that will be filed, alleging gross liability against the train company. Lawyers explain that before any allegations can be confirmed or denied, investigators need to determine the cause of the Amtrak 188 crash. There are numerous factors to account for when asking this question, such as:
- Why did the train accelerate when it approached the curve?
- Was it the engineer’s mistake or an engine failure that caused the train to speed up?
- Did the speed excess alarm on the train fail?
- Was there something on the track that may have caused the crash?
Investigators will be examining all possible causes of the Amtrak 188 crash, including the condition of the tracks, the train’s throttle and brake settings, and the alarms in the engineer’s cab.
According to the train’s “black box” data, the train had been traveling at twice the speed limit at the time of its derailment. According to a video investigators recently uncovered, it was confirmed the train was indeed speeding but no cause had been identified on the tape.
As of May 15, the official death toll of the Amtrak 188 train crash is eight people, but at least six people remain in critical condition, while other engineers and passengers are set to be released from the hospital soon.
On the day of the crash, the Amtrak 188 train was heading to New York from Washington and had derailed at approximately 9:30pm. The train was carrying 238 passengers and five crew members.
Obtain a Free Amtrak Train Crash Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one were injured or killed during the May 12, 2015 Amtrak derailment, you may have a legal claim.
