ROCKFORD (WREX) -
Mistakes and miscommunications were just some of the words used by the National Transportation Safety Board used to describe the deadly train derailment in Cherry Valley. The NTSB recommends more than a dozen changes to prevent this from happening again.
"This accident highlights how missteps at multiple points within multiple organizations resulted in catastrophe. Starting with the significance of not recognizing the prior track washout," says Deborah A.P. Hersman, NTSB chairperson.
On June 19, 2009, a Canadian National freight train carrying ethanol derailed and exploded. It hit a section of track that had washed out following strong rains. The accident killed Zoila Tellez, 41, and left seven other hurt. In the hearing the NTSB says there were a lot of mistakes but says they did not come from local emergency responders. Winnebago County Sheriff Dick Meyers says he was happy to hear his agency and the others from the area commended for their response,. but wants to make sure another communication break-down does not happen again with Canadian Nation.
"We did notify them and then several minutes later we got a call back telling us that they had a crew in route to look at the tracks but at no time did they say they had a train coming. So we ask more pertinent questions now. We try to make the whole process more complete," says Meyers.
The National Transportation Safety Board has the same goal. It recommended more than a dozen changes. It wants Canadian National to improve it's safety efforts and communication. It also wants to see a nation-wide review of storm water management systems so tracks do not get washed out in the first place.
"While rail accidents involving hazardous materials have declined, this is the 21st hazardous material rail accident that the NTSB has investigated since 2000, including this and two other open investigations. The goal for everyone should be zero," says Hersman.
Canadian National spokesperson Patrick Waldron says it has already implemented some of the changes like improving it's weather warning system and emergency call procedures. But he says they still need to review the rest of the recommendations.
Philip Corboy, the Tellez family attorney, says they hope the mistakes that were made are not duplicated so another family does not have to go through what they went through. Besides losing Zoila Tellez, her daughter was also in the accident and suffered 3rd degree burns. She has had numerous surgeries and will continue to have them in order to recover. Corboy says her recovery is what the family is focused on now. The family concluded its litigation with Canadian National and reached a $35 million settlement in the fall.
