NTSB BOARD MEETING LOOKS AT THE 1999 BOURBONNAIS, ILLINOIS GRADE CROSSING COLLISION AND DERAILMENT OF AMTRAK TRAIN 59

Washington, D.C. -- The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a Board Meeting Tuesday, February 5, 2002 at 9:30 a.m., at its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. Item to be discussed:

The Safety Board will consider a final report of its investigation into the March 15, 1999 grade crossing accident in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Amtrak train 59, with 198 passengers and 21 employees on board, struck and destroyed a loaded trailer of a semitrailer combination that was crossing the track. Both locomotives and 11 of the 14 cars derailed. There were 11 fatalities and 122 injuries. Damages were estimated at $14.3 million. Press Contact: Terry N. Williams

A mult-box is available for sound. This room is lighted for television.

Directions to Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From Metro, exit L’Enfant Plaza station at 9th and D Streets escalator, walk through shopping mall, at CVS store take escalator down one level. Board Room will be to your left.

Media Contact: (202) 314-6100