NTSB Releases Findings of CSX Train Derailment in Rosedale Maryland

June 14th, 2013 |

ROSEDALE, Md. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report on Wednesday, June 12, in the fiery CSX train derailment that occurred in Rosedale on May 28, when a trash truck and train collided. In their report, the NTSB revealed the crossing where the train collided with a truck gave almost no warning for drivers; the stop signs were barely visible.

Photo shows A CSX derailed train car carrying chemicals burning after being struck by a truck in Rosedale, Maryland May 28, 2013 in this photo courtesy of the Baltimore Sun: Reuters/Reuters

Photo shows A CSX derailed train car carrying chemicals burning after being struck by a truck in Rosedale, Maryland May 28, 2013. Photo: Baltimore Sun

The NTSB says the stop signs at the rail crossing were faded; one was hung upside down and facing away from the road.

“We will be looking at how long those signs may have been in a state of disrepair. We’ll be looking at that,” said NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt.

The report also stated that the highway grade crossing had no active warning lights or crossing gates.

The incident happened on May 28 when a CSX train, carrying chemicals, ran into a trash truck in Rosedale, MD and then derailed and exploded causing a shock wave that sent a huge plume of black smoke into the sky. The 50 year-old trash truck driver was seriously injured in the accident.

The NTSB says part of the continuing investigation includes examining the mechanical function of the truck that was hit by the train.

Blog post by Gordon, Elias & Seely, a FELA lawyer and Maryland railroad injury lawyer who publishes train accidents and FELA legal news from across the United States.