(The Associated Press circulated the following on November 1.)
CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Federal Railroad Administration said it found no fault with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in connection with an accident last week near Frostburg that left 11 passengers with minor injuries.
Spokesman Warren Flatau said wet leaves on the tracks caused the steam locomotive to slide backward down a hill and slam into passenger cars from which it had decoupled.
Railroad officials said the crew was preparing to reconnect the engine to the cars after having spread sand on the rails for traction.
Flatau said wet leaves are a common hazard for railroads in the Northeast in autumn. He said the train was operating properly and the crew acted appropriately.