CLEVELAND, May 25 — CSX has identified BLET member James Gregory Hadden as one of two crew members killed in the line of duty in Mineral Springs, N.C., on May 24.
Brother Hadden, just 35 years old, was a 10-year veteran with CSX. He was a member of BLET Division 498 in Abbeville, S.C. He joined the Brotherhood on March 1, 2003.
Also killed was conductor Phillip Crawford, 33, a five year employee with CSX.
“I extend deepest sympathies to the family, friends and coworkers left behind by Brother Hadden and Phillip Crawford,” BLET National President Dennis Pierce said. “This is a particularly tragic accident because these two men were so young.”
The BLET’s Safety Task Force is at the accident scene assisting the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Railroad Administration with the accident investigation.
The accident happened at approximately 3:38 a.m. on May 24. According to preliminary reports, both locomotives were traveling northbound when Brother Hadden’s train rear-ended the second train, which was stationary or moving very slowly. Several cars derailed and a large fire ensued. The crew of the stationary train were also injured.
More details will be provided as they become available.