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Metrolink engineer sent text message moments before fatal crash

by World_Groove | October 1, 2008 at 12:31 pm

187 views | 7 Recommendations | 3 comments

More sad developments in the Metrolink saga.

A Metrolink engineer sent a text message from his cellphone seconds before he slammed into an oncoming freight train in an accident that killed 25 people and injured 135 others last month, federal authorities said today.

Engineer Robert M. Sanchez sent the message at 4:22 p.m., 22 seconds before he hit the Union Pacific freight train in Chatsworth on Sept. 12, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said in a written statement. In all, Sanchez sent 29 text messages while he was on duty the day of the crash, the NTSB said.

One wonders if there isn't a lawsuit to be had against cell phone companies for not providing warning against texting and operating machinery.

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lgal3824

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 17:23 on October 1st, 2008

World_Groove, I like this story. It's good stuff. Not that it make any difference at this point but he sent AND received a total of 57 texts.

Paschen

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 18:14 on October 1st, 2008

Japan has the use of Cell Phones banned in Cars, and in Public places such as trains there are restriction such as no ring tone or silent mode has to be engaged and only textting is allowed in other areas, some areas in public places are cell phone free, a bit like the smoking ban. The same applies to MP3 Players and other gadgets.

World_Groove

at 18:36 on October 1st, 2008

Thanks Paschen,

Unfortunately Bans often only work as a means of adding another 'charge' to someone who commits another crime (for the most part). In my State it is illegal to use a cell phone without a hands free device while driving, yet you can not be pulled over if you are "seen" using a cell phone without a hands free device.

I don't know what the logical solution is for this epidemic problem, but it needs looked after sooner than later. The death toll will continue to rise otherwise.