NTSB Investigating Whether Amtrak 188 Was Hit By Flying Object
PHILADELPHIA (WJZ) – A surprising twist in the investigation into Tuesday's deadly Amtrak crash. The FBI is now looking into reports that something hit the train's windshield before it derailed.
WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren with this major development from the NTSB.
The NTSB is looking at the possibility Amtrak train 188 was struck by something before it derailed in Philadelphia. The FBI has now been called in.
WJZ has obtained exclusive video from KYW of the train's derailment. It speeds past, and then, the sparks fly.
Federal investigators say something may have struck it--a rock, maybe a bullet.
Take a look at the lower left portion of Amtrak 188's windshield--that's the damage FBI investigators will zero in on.
The revelation comes as an assistant conductors recalls hearing a conversation between Brandon Bostian--the engineer behind the controls--and the engineer of a local SEPTA commuter train that had just been struck.
"He had either been hit by a rock or shot at. And that the SEPTA engineer said he had a broken windshield and he placed his train into emergency stop," said NTSB investigator Robert Sumwalt.
Then, she remembers Bostian say their train had been hit, too.
"Right after she recalled hearing this conversation, she said she felt rumbling and her train leaned over and the car went over on its side," said Sumwalt.
Bostian can't recall any of it. He spoke to investigators for more than an hour. They say he was cooperative and reported no problems with the train or his health.
"He's very distraught. He's very upset. And he's very sorry. I don't think there's any foul play," Bostian's friend, James Weir, said.
Three people with close Maryland ties are among the dead. Those who survived still carry the physical and emotional scars.
"You never expect to be in a catastrophe—until you are," said Lenny Knobbs, survivor.
The train's crew had a safety briefing before they left Washington, D.C., and they talked about all the speed limits on the route.
