NTSB Releases First Update On Rosedale Train Derailment
ROSEDALE, Md. (WJZ) -- The explosion shook many in and around Baltimore and now the NTSB has released its first comprehensive update on the Rosedale train/truck crash.
Mike Hellgren breaks down the new information.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the truck/train crash and explosion in Rosedale, has yet to interview the driver of the truck. John Alban Jr. was released from Shock Trauma over the weekend, just days after his Mack truck collided with a CSX train.
The NTSB told WJZ its investigators are still trying to make arrangements to interview him as he recovers. The agency also revealed its crew on the ground will be leaving the scene by Friday. They have completed a comprehensive inspection of the truck and scanned the crash site; they will use that scan to do a computerized recreation of the accident.
"If we see things that need to be improved, we can and we will issue safety recommendations," said Robert Sumwalt, NTSB.
Some of those who work near the crossing tell WJZ underbrush has grown closer to the tracks. They are concerned it affected whether the driver could have seen the train. There are no gates at the industrial crossing.
"What was the visibility as that truck driver drove up to that railroad? Could he sufficiently see down the tracks that a train was coming? Those are exactly the kinds of things we'll be doing," Sumwalt said.
The NTSB also removed some of the mechanicals of the truck for further investigation.
Few here will ever forget the explosion.
"People was panicking," said Kenneth Carter. "Shook all the houses."
"I seen the back of the building was completely blown out," said Roland Staubs.
Federal investigators did not comment on a safety review of Alban's company, which they were expected to complete this week.
Trains have been running on the tracks since late last week.
