Gonzalez: Human Error Likely Cause Of Deadly Train Derailment
Union Pacific Train Engineer Fired
POSTED: Tuesday, October 26, 2004
SAN ANTONIO -- Union Pacific Railroad has fired a train engineer who survived a deadly train derailment in south Bexar County in late June, KSAT 12 News reported.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, of San Antonio, told KSAT 12 News on Monday that a member of the National Transportation Safety Board told him that human error is likely the reason why Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains collided on June 28, rupturing a tanker filled with toxic chemicals that ended up killing three people and forcing hundreds more to evacuate."I believe the engineer that was on duty ... was relieved of his duties," Gonzalez said. "We're going to make sure everybody (who) has responsibility is going to be held accountable."Union Pacific officials would not comment on the engineer's firing.Gonzalez said he wants to find out if railroad companies are behind the times when it comes to developing and utilizing new technologies.He said railroad companies need to have a backup system in place when human error occurs, so accidents can be avoided.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, of San Antonio, told KSAT 12 News on Monday that a member of the National Transportation Safety Board told him that human error is likely the reason why Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe trains collided on June 28, rupturing a tanker filled with toxic chemicals that ended up killing three people and forcing hundreds more to evacuate."I believe the engineer that was on duty ... was relieved of his duties," Gonzalez said. "We're going to make sure everybody (who) has responsibility is going to be held accountable."Union Pacific officials would not comment on the engineer's firing.Gonzalez said he wants to find out if railroad companies are behind the times when it comes to developing and utilizing new technologies.He said railroad companies need to have a backup system in place when human error occurs, so accidents can be avoided. Previous Stories:
- August 25, 2004: Train Derailment Victims Express Frustration Over Response
- July 1, 2004: NTSB Probe Into Train Wreck Continues
- June 30, 2004: Chemical Tanker Moved, Railroad Tracks Reopen
- June 30, 2004: Deadly Train Collision Cleanup Progresses
- June 29, 2004: Railroad Conductor Dies In Freight Train Collision
Copyright 2004 by KSAT.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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