Meng Demands Answers About Last Year's Fiery Train Collision in Maspeth, Queens

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today that she is demanding answers about last year’s fiery train collision in Maspeth, Queens.

In a letter to the head of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Meng urged the agency to promptly release the findings of its investigation into the July 8, 2015 crash in which a freight train slammed into a tractor-trailer at a railroad crossing on Maspeth Avenue. The investigation also includes a safety review of the railway operator, New York and Atlantic Railway (NY&A).

“I am alarmed that after a year since this crash occurred, we are still without the answers needed to improve the safety of this railroad crossing, which is one of the most frequented grade crossings on the most active railway in my Congressional district,” said Meng. “Thankfully, the specific train crash that prompted this investigation resulted in no fatalities. But appropriate safety measures must be in place to prevent an incident like this from occurring again. The FRA must quickly release the data and recommendations resulting from its probe. Every day that lingers without these crucial safety improvements is another day where lives are at risk.”

Footage of the collision – in which the truck burst into flames and was dragged 200 feet along the track – shows that the gates did not come down and the lights did not flash until just before the impact, indicating malfunctioning safety systems. Meng had been in touch with all stakeholders after the accident took place. The safety review of NY&A is intended to look at the company’s management practices and safety culture.

A copy of Meng’s letter can be viewed here.