Driver of SUV, two others identified in Metro-North crash that killed six, injured dozens
VALHALLA, N.Y. (PIX11) - The driver of the SUV that was stopped on train tracks causing a Metro-North train to crash into it has been identified.
The crash killed six people, including the driver of the SUV, who has been identified as 49-year-old mother of three, Ellen Brody. Brody was returning home from her job at a Chappaqua jewelry design shop called ICD Contemporary Jewelry when she stopped at the crossing.
Officials said the victims included five men who were riding in the first car of the train. One of those men has been identified as 53-year-old Eric Vandercar, another is Walter Liedtke, a veteran curator at the Met. The identification of the other victims is still pending.
Several more people remain hospitalized Wednesday after the train crashed into Brody's Mercedes in Westchester County, but officials said the tragedy - which marks the agency's deadliest crash ever - could have been even worse.
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Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board arrived at the scene Wednesday morning to comb through the charred wreckage.
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast and Metro-North President Joseph Giulietti are working with the NTSB on the investigation into the crash.
"The entire MTA family's thoughts are with the relatives and loved ones of the victims life last night's tragedy," Prendergast said in a press release Wednesday.
"We don't just want to find out what happened, but why it happened," NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt said, soliciting help from the public to piece together the tragic events.
Anyone who saw the crash unfold - in the train or elsewhere - is urged to email investigators at witness@NTSB.gov.
What we know
It happened about 7 p.m. Tuesday on the Harlem Line when a train filled with passengers collided with a Mercedes, which was stopped on the tracks when the gates at the two-track Commerce Street crossing near Valhalla came down.
The driver was outside the vehicle when the train hit, shoving her SUV about 10 car lengths, the official said. The third rail pushed up from the track and rammed through the entire first car of the train, remarkably missing passengers. Some 400 feet of the third rail pierced the first car, breaking off into roughly 80-foot sections. At least one of those sections penetrated the second car, as well.
The fire was fueled by the gas from the Mercedes SUV, according to Sumwalt.
"The inside of that first car is melted and charred," Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said, adding that he trouble sleeping after seeing the carnage.
Doctors and political leaders have remarked that the death toll and extent of victims' injuries could have been far worse but that does not undercut the severity of the crash.
One patient remained in critical condition midday Wednesday, a doctor with the Westchester County Medical Center said at an afternoon news conference.
One patient remained in serious condition, four were in fair condition and two were in good condition, the doctor said. Four others were discharged overnight.
Injuries ranged from cuts and dislocated limbs to burn injuries and smoke inhalation, doctors said.
Going forward
The shell of the train is expected to be removed from the tracks sometime Wednesday afternoon, Sumwalt said.
About 400 feet of track work is needed before trains can start rolling through that portion of the Harlem line, Astorino said in a Wednesday morning news conference. The third rail must also be replaced.
There was no estimated time of service restoration. Astorino said he has asked the MTA to consider the thousands of commuters who rely on that passageway every day.
"We've got busy days ahead of us," Sumwalt said.
Sumwalt did not have much in the way of details at a 7:30 a.m. news conference, and emphasized the same at an 11 a.m. news conference, saying the investigation has just begun.
He vowed to reporters that "the next time we meet, I'll have good, hard facts for you." Federal investigators may hold an afternoon news conference if new details emerge, Sumwalt said.
The on-the-ground investigation could last 5 to 7 days, but analysis of that data and a board vote on what actions to take next could take up to 12 months, according to Sumwalt.
The train's engineer and conductor survived the crash and will be key in the investigation.
They will be interviewed soon, Sumwalt said. Investigators are sensitive to the fact that they likely experienced mental and possible physical trauma in the crash.
Metro-North officials want riders to know that they're safe on the trains as the investigation continues.
"We want Metro-North's customers to know that they can remain confident that their safety, and the safety of our employees, is always the first priority in everything we do," Giulietti said. "We will work closely with the NTSB and local officials to determine the exact cause of this tragedy, and work to ensure such incidents are not repeated."
According to Metro-North officials, train service will remain suspended between Pleasantville and North White Plains until further notice.
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