Are all my DC/MD saints present and accounted for?

[csedwards2]

I saw on one story that the switch is automatic and should divert one train if it sees that they are getting too close to each other on the same track.  So even if she's partially at fault, that system failed.

Im watching right now. Said she's been on job 2 years, but started a s a bus driver. Started training for train operation in Jan 09 and started driving trains March 09. (Two months of training). She started tour of duty at 4pm that day and crashed at 5:02pm

But like you said, train was in Automatic position.

[csedwards2]

Deceased:

    *  Jeanice McMillan Springfield, VA (train operator of striking train)
    *  Mary Doolittle 59, NW DC
    * Ana Fernandez 40, Hyattsville,MD
    * Dennis Hawkins 64, Southeast DC
    * LaVonda "Nikki" King 23, Upper Marlboro, MD
    * David F. Wherley
    * Amy Wherley

SMH^^^husband and wife

[funkStrat_97]

Bear in mind that a couple of years ago, there was an incident on the Blue/Orange line that appears to have been a system failure.  Fortunatley, the operator saw that he was getting too close to a train at the Rosslyn platform and, despite a contradictory clear aspect (the equivalent of a green light), activated the emergency brakes.  There was also a third train that had stopped behind him having just left Foggy Bottom.

[LaylaMonroe]

Here's an article about Jan. Her mom, "Aunt Betty" is a total wreck and all the speculating and stuff isn't helping any. But I guess that's just what we do.

Sad story. Jan was so sweet. One of the few people in the world that are just plain NICE.

http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/712255.html

[csedwards2]

Of course cell phone records arent back yet, but the train was on autopilot, and the emergency brake was depressed. It appears she did her part. However, the trains she was operating were an average of 20 years old, and the NTSB possibly warned about potential dangers of operating a train of this age and condition. The family is already entitled to money, but could be larger sum if the financially strapped company put her on a old crappy train. SMH

[nessalynn77]

Of course cell phone records arent back yet, but the train was on autopilot, and the emergency brake was depressed. It appears she did her part. However, the trains she was operating were an average of 20 years old, and the NTSB possibly warned about potential dangers of operating a train of this age and condition. The family is already entitled to money, but could be larger sum if the financially strapped company put her on a old crappy train. SMH

That would be horribly negligent.  I can't even imagine a human deciding to cut a corner like that knowing the lives they place in danger.

[csedwards2]

That would be horribly negligent.  I can't even imagine a human deciding to cut a corner like that knowing the lives they place in danger.

purely speculation, but they have needed subsidizing for the last several years. They've tried raising rates, but the overhaul required in general is much more than a fare hike could ever pay for.

Article about NTSB warning Metro about age of fleet

[funkStrat_97]

That would be horribly negligent.  I can't even imagine a human deciding to cut a corner like that knowing the lives they place in danger.

Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon.  Look at how how many trips these old cars have made over the years without incident....until now that is.  I don't beleive that it is a deliberate decision to put people's lives in danger, but things like this are the consequences of trying to get by on cheap fixes.  It happens in pretty much every sector and rail infrastructure isn't cheap.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

A young lady I converse with from time to time on another site had a friend that was in the accident.  Fortunately she got out with just a broken arm.

[kodacolor]

*to the tune of 'Revolution'*

Where mah MD saints at?  Woot woot!
Where mah DC saints at?  Woot woot!

[funkStrat_97]

Re: the Metro accident.  Those who fail to learn from the past...

Are Doomed to Repeat It!

While the circumstances of the accident are different, this isn't the first time that Metro's ATC has been called into question.