NTSB TO RELEASE FACTUAL INFORMATION ON THE APRIL 18, 2002 AMTRAK DERAILMENT NEAR CRESCENT CITY, FLORIDA

As part of its continuing investigation into the derailment of an Amtrak Auto Train near Crescent City, Florida, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will open a public docket and release a series of factual reports at 11:00 a.m., on February 13, 2003.

About 5:08 p. m. on April 18, 2002, northbound National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) train PO52-18, Auto Train, derailed 21 of 40 cars on the CSXT Railroad near Crescent City, Florida. The train derailed in a 3-degree left-hand curve while traveling about 56 mph. The train was carrying 414 passengers and 33 Amtrak employees. The derailment resulted in 4 fatalities, 36 serious injuries, and 105 minor injuries. There was no fire as a result of the derailment.

The reports to be released are factual in nature and do not provide any analysis. They will include investigative reports in the following areas - survival factors, operations, track and engineering and metallurgy.

Additional reports will be added to the public docket as they become available. Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come at a later date at a public meeting at NTSB headquarters.

Note to Media: A CD Rom containing the Crescent City factual information will be available from the NTSB’s Office Of Public Affairs, 490 L’ Enfant Plaza, SW (6th floor), Washington, DC, beginning at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 13, 2003. This is a document release only; no interviews will be conducted.

NTSB Press Contacts:
Keith Holloway
(202) 314-6100