Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 11, 1990 TAG: 9003112687
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PHILADELPHIA LENGTH: Short
Three people were killed and 94 injured when the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's six-car Train 61, filled with hundreds of people heading to work, derailed at 8:21 a.m.
The findings include:
One of four motors on the train's third car lost its primary and backup supports, came loose and gouged 1,555 feet of ties before hitting a crossover switch.
Twenty-seven of 76 motors inspected on 19 cars were improperly secured.
The motorman driving the train had tested positive for cocaine use, but it hadn't been determined whether the drug was a factor in the accident.
Still unexplained by transportation authority or city officials was a 17-minute delay in calling for and receiving emergency medical services.
Authority General Manager Louis Gambaccini insisted the rail system was safe and pledged to complete inspections by Monday, when full service was scheduled to resume.
by CNB