Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board have sent union members packing from the site of the train derailment that killed four and injured dozens Sunday in the New York borough of the Bronx, saying railroad workers violated an agreement and released sensitive information to the press.
Politico reported that NTSB officials were upset specifically at the railroad workers union’s statement that engineer William Rockefeller possibly was dozing during train operation.
Anthony Bottalico, the general manager of the Association of Community Rail Employees, said during a press gathering that Mr. Rockefeller “basically nodded” off and then “caught himself too late” to control the train, as it entered a sharp curve at 82 mph, 52 mph higher than the posted safe speed.
NTSB officials said his comments are in violation of an agreement that various groups make with the transportation investigators — that in exchange for access to the accident scene, they will keep quiet in the press about investigative details.
“As a result of this violation from the party agreement, the organization was advised … that it was removed” from the investigation, the NTSB said in a statement reported by Politico.
NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said more, as Politico reported: “While we value the technical expertise that groups like ACRE can provide … it is counterproductive when an organization breaches the party agreement and publicly interprets or comments on investigation information.”
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• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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