Federal investigators say the Chicago commuter train that derailed and killed two women was traveling 59 mph over the speed limit at a rail switch.
The downtown-bound five-car Metra train was going 69 mph when switching tracks, resulting in the train derailing and slamming into a bridge, the National Transportation Safety Board's acting director, Mark Rosenker said.
Two women, ages 22 and 38, died as a result of Saturday's crash, the Chicago Sun-Times said. Fifty people walked away unscathed, 51 passengers suffered minor injuries and 16 were seriously or critically injured.
NTSB officials interviewed the train engineer, identified Sunday as Mike Smith, a 41-year old with only 45 days' experience taking commuters from Joliet to downtown. He spent 5 1/2 years driving freight trains for CSX and completed a six-month Metra training period.
NTSB officials released few details about Smith, but said he is in good health, with normal vision and hearing. He had a cell phone with him on the train Saturday, but said he was not using it, although his phone records were to be examined Monday.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
