NTSB issues preliminary findings in fatal SEPTA rail incident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) yesterday released a preliminary report of its investigation into a fatal rail accident involving the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) in July.

The incident occurred July 8, while two SEPTA workers were inspecting track and making light repairs in Philadelphia. A southbound train was operating on one track, just north of the workers, who were working on an interlocking between two tracks.

Simultaneously, a train traveling northbound on the second track struck the workers after leaving the Erie Station. One worker died and the other received injuries that were not life-threatening, the NTSB report stated.

The agency's investigation is ongoing. Future investigative activity will focus on SEPTA safety and operating rules, roadway worker protection, and safety training and oversight, NTSB officials said.