76 People Hurt When Two Trains Collide Near Fairfield, Connecticut

A recent train crash near Fairfield, Connecticut has allegedly injured 76 people. According to authorities from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 73 passengers, two engineers, and a train conductor were hurt when a Metro-North Railroad train derailed and collided with another train about 50 miles north of Manhattan. A representative from the NTSB stated the accident occurred when an eastbound train unexpectedly left the tracks going about 70 miles per hour around 6 pm. The train was apparently struck by a westbound train owned by the same company that was traveling on an adjacent track. Metro-North Railroad has reportedly estimated the accident caused at least $18 million in damage.

Although the exact cause of this serious train accident is still under investigation, NTSB officials stated the track on which the derailed train was traveling failed a safety inspection two days prior to the crash. At the time of the inspection, portions of supporting rock ballast were allegedly deemed inadequate. A spokesperson for Metro-North Railroad, Marjorie Anders, said the issue was not considered an immediate threat when the inspection took place. Anders added that an immediate issue would have resulted in a halt in service or an order to drive over that section of track at a reduced speed. Still, NTSB investigators purportedly took samples of the ballast from the accident scene for further inspection.

The NTSB initially alleged that a joint bar used to piece together the rails was cracked and repaired following the track inspection. According to Anders, the metal piece was replaced entirely prior to the train derailment. A representative from the NTSB reportedly stated Metro-North Railroad is in the process of conducting an inventory and inspection of each joint bar along the tracks.

Although many people worry about being hurt in a car or pedestrian accident, this unfortunate incident demonstrates that you can be injured anytime you travel. If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in an unexpected accident in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you may be entitled to receive damages for your medical expenses, suffering and pain, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, and more. If you sustained an injury as a direct result of another person or a company's negligent act, you are advised to contact a quality personal injury attorney as soon as you are able.

The hardworking lawyers at Korngut Paleudis LLC are available to assist the victims of unexpected accidents. Contact the dedicated Stamford, Connecticut personal injury and accident law attorneys at Korngut Paleudis LLC to discuss how you can recover the financial compensation you deserve based upon the severity of your accident injuries. Our caring advocates have more than 45 years of experience helping clients who are located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. To speak with a capable lawyer about your personal injury or wrongful death claim, do not hesitate to contact Korngut Paleudis LLC through the law firm's website or give us a call at (212) 835-6768 in New York City or (609) 480-3080 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Additional Resources:

Metro-North Trains Collide in Connecticut; Dozens of Injuries Are Reported, by Matt Flegenheimer and Robert Davey, New York Times

NTSB: Inspection found problems with track days before Connecticut train derailment, by Associated Press, Minneapolis StarTribune