April 07, 2016
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) ordered Amtrak on Thursday to retrain employees on safety protocols as its investigation into Sunday's fatal crash in Chester continues.
Amtrak has been instructed to drill workers on safety basics in the aftermath of two Amtrak employee deaths. The employees were killed when the lead engine of Train 89 derailed after colliding with a backhoe that was on the tracks.
According to the Wall Street Journal, investigators are focusing on a shift change which may have contributed to the train being cleared to proceed on the stretch of tracks occupied by workers.
Over a series of tweets stressing improved communications, the FRA's directive suggests a breakdown between work crews and rail dispatchers.
FRA to #Amtrak: Drill workers on safety basics. Goal: ensure communication & safety protocols in place after deadly train crash in #PA.
— The FRA (@USDOTFRA) April 7, 2016
FRA calls on Amtrak to conduct immediate basic safety review with key workers. Investigation into Sunday’s deadly #PA train crash continues.
— The FRA (@USDOTFRA) April 7, 2016
FRA to #Amtrak: improve communication among work crews, supervisors & rail dispatchers. Directive follows #PA train crash.
— The FRA (@USDOTFRA) April 7, 2016
