Passengers' Lives 'Still Derailed' 1 Year After Deadly Crash

PHILADELPHIA (WJZ) — There's more questions than answers a year after Philadelphia's devastating Amtrak derailment. Eight people were killed, including three with Maryland ties.

Victims and their families hope to soon find out exactly what caused the wreck.

Rick Ritter has their emotional stories, and the latest on an investigation that appears to be coming to an end.

The images and pain are still haunting and fresh.

"I remember being thrown out of my seat, hitting the ceiling," said Bob Hewitt, a surviving victim. "I've got a 15-month-old granddaughter. I can't even pick her up and hold her."

In May of 2015, Amtrak 188 derailed in Philadelphia. The train was crushed like a soda can, killing eight people -- three with Maryland ties -- including midshipman Justin Zemser from the Naval Academy.

"He was absolutely wonderful. Everyone looked up to my son," Zemser's mother said.

On Thursday, surviving victims recalled the horrifying moments they were rescued by first responders.

"I remember him saying, 'This guy has to go now, his head is going to fall off,'" said Hewitt.

Exactly one year later, many are still demanding answers as to why the train was speeding. Amtrak admitted it was going more than double the speed limit around a sharp curve when it derailed and that conductor Brandon Bostian sped up instead of slowing down.

Bostian has said his memory of the crash is vague.

"What we learned is the problem is Brandon Bostian, and the problem remains his changing story," said Robert Mongeluzzi, attorney.

Those stories have left questions lingering for victims and their families, who are hoping to get answers in the coming days.

"I hope it's a thorough examination of all of the issues," said Richard Finamore, whose daughter was killed in the derailment.

The NTSB is holding a press conference on Tuesday to conclude the investigation. Many expect to get a probable cause of the derailment.

The NTSB says the train's conductor has been cooperative with investigators throughout the entire process, and that alcohol or cell phone use was not a factor in the crash.