Seven rail cars flipped over when a passenger train derailed in New York that was traveling from the Hudson Valley town of Poughkeepsie. At least four people were killed and at least 67 people suffered injuries, according to CNN. Of those injured, 11 people reportedly suffered serious, potentially life-altering injuries. Three of the victims who lost their lives were thrown from the train as it “came off the track and was twisting and turning,” said New York Fire Department Chief Edward Kilduff, according to the CNN article. About 150 people were on the train when the derailment occurred.
Here is a news report on the awful Metro North train derailment:
Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the victims involved in this terrible accident. Just imagine, in the blink of an eye, dozens of people had their lives turned upside down or, even worse, had their lives taken from them because of this derailment.
The train operator informed investigators that he applied the brakes on the train, but it didn’t slow down when the brakes were pressed. This implies that there may have been a malfunction on the train. The train came off the tracks as it was coming around a sharp curve.
Investigators are continuing to analyze the scene of the derailment to figure out exactly what happened.
Unfortunately, when derailments occur, the ramifications are usually tragic. Our firm represented a client who was seriously injured when a train derailed in Northern Virginia. Our client wound up suffering a traumatic brain injury and required in-home care for the rest of his life.
There are at least four people whose lives were not spared and now their families will be grieving from the loss of a loved one during the 2013 holiday season. Once again, our deepest sympathies go out to these familieis during this difficult time.