DCA15MR006

 

CRASH SUMNIARY
FACTUAL REPORT

Valhalla, NY



(3 pages)

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DCA15MR006 Crash Summary

On February 3, 2015, at about 6:26 pm eastern standard time, in Valhalla, New York,

northbound Metro-North (MN) passenger train 659 consisting of eight electrically powered M-7

railcars, struck a 2011 Mercedes Benz ML350 sports utility vehicle (SUV) at the Commerce

Street grade crossing on the Harlem line, resulting in a fire to the SUV and lead railcar (MN

4333). The lead railcar was carrying an estimated 20 passengers at the time of the accident and

there were five confirmed passenger fatalities, all from the first railcar and 13 passengers

reported to have injuries. The driver of the SUV was also fatally injured.

The SUV was stopped partially fouling the tracks in the grade crossing and positioned in an

easterly direction when the railroad crossing gates closed. Witnesses described the driver of the

SUV as being stopped in the crossing prior to the gates lowering. When the crossing arm

lowered, it struck the rear portion of the SUV. The driver of the SUV exited to look at the back

of the SUV, then got back in the SUV, drove forward (east) and was struck by the train.


Figure 1-Aerial photograph of Metro North train 659 after collision with SUV at the Commerce St. grade crossing in Valhalla,

NY

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 Preliminary review of event recorder data showed that train was traveling at 58 miles per hour

(mph) prior to emergency braking. The maximum allowable speed on this section of track is

60 mph. The data also showed proper horn operation on the approach to the crossing. The

engineer initiated his emergency brake about 230 feet before the collision after describing what

he characterized as a vehicle partially fouling the crossing. The data also showed one long horn

blast upon initiation of the emergency brake.

Event recorder data indicates the train slowed from 58 mph to 49 mph in 4 seconds. The train

and SUV came to rest about 665 feet from the point of collision. The movement resulted in

damage to the electrified 3 rd rail. The 3 rd rail detached, pierced the SUV, entering the first railcar

in two locations from the underside at the aft end of the left side passenger doorway.

An estimated 386 feet of 3 rd rail was damaged, of which about 343 feet was located inside the

lead car. Eleven sections of rail were found inside the first railcar and the entire railcar interior

was consumed by fire. The train was occupied by 2 crew members and approximately 650

passengers at the time of the accident. The weather at the time of the accident was reported 20˚F

and with very light wind, clear skies, and good visibility. Damage has been estimated by MN at

$3.1M

The parties to the investigation include Metro-North Railroad, the Federal Railroad

Administration, the Association of Commuter Rail Employees, the Town of Mount Pleasant, and

the New York Public Transportation Safety Board.


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