NTSB Advisory

NTSB Advisory
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
June 27, 2003

NTSB TO RELEASE FACTUAL INFORMATION ON THE JULY 18, 2001 HOWARD STREET TUNNEL TRAIN DERAILMENT AND FIRE IN BALTIMORE, MD

As part of its continuing investigation into the train derailment and subsequent fire in Baltimore, Maryland on July 18, 2001, the National Transportation Safety Board will release into the public docket a series of factual reports 10:00 a.m., on July 1, 2003.

About 3:08 p.m., on Wednesday July 18, 2001, an eastbound CSX freight train derailed in Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore, Maryland. The 8,700-foot tunnel is located directly under Howard Street for most of its length. The 45th through the 56th cars of the 60-car train derailed in the tunnel. There was a fire after a tank car of tripropylene was punctured and the released hazardous material ignited. There were no train crewmembers injured in the accident. Damages are estimated to exceed $12 million.

The reports to be released are factual in nature and do not provide any analysis. They will include investigative group reports in the following areas - survival factors, tunnel, track, hazardous material, meteorology, and water line.

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.

Note to Media: A CD Rom containing the Howard Street Tunnel factual information will be available from the NTSB's Office of Public Affairs, 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW (6th floor), Washington, DC beginning at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2003. This is document release only; no interviews will be conducted.

Media Contact: Keith Holloway, (202) 314-6100

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