(Source: Associated Press and Reuters news reports, June 26, 2011)
SPARKS, Nev. — A semitrailer skidded through downed crossing gates and into the side of an Amtrak train in rural Nevada on June 24, killing six people and injured dozens of others.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, with assistance from the BLET’s Safety Task Force, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other agencies.
Killed in the accident was 68-year-old conductor Laurette Lee, a member of the United Transportation Union. The truck’s driver was also killed.
The crossing gates and lights were working properly. The NTSB is focusing on the medical and driving history of the truck driver. Reuters also reported that the trucking company involved in the collision has multiple prior safety citations.
Full story: Press Enterprise and Reuters.