NTSB BOARD MEETING LOOKS AT THE 2001 NODAWAY, IOWA TRAIN DERAILMENT, AND 2000 FATAL COAL TRAIN ACCIDENT IN MARYLAND

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

The Safety Board will consider the final report of its investigation into the March 17, 2001 train derailment near Nodaway, Iowa. Amtrak train No. 5-17, with 2 locomotive units, 16 cars, 241 passengers and 15 employees on-board derailed. All but five cars derailed, 78 people were injured and there was one fatality. No fire or hazardous materials were involved in this accident.

Press Contact: Terry N. Williams

Also to be considered will be the final report on a fatal coal train derailment near Bloomington, Maryland on January 30, 2000. Derailed cars from the train destroyed a nearby house, killing a 15-year-old boy and seriously injuring his mother. Track and equipment damage was estimated at over $3 million.

Press Contact: Paul Schlamm

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