THE BRONX — The motorman who fell asleep and derailed his train in Spuyten Duyvil, killing four people and injuring dozens more, said Metro-North caused the crash through negligence, according to a $10 million suit he filed Wednesday.
William Rockefeller, a 20-year veteran, suffered sleep apnea and had nodded off as his train hurtled into a curve at 82 mph, hurtling the Poughkeepsie-to-Manhattan train off the tracks on Dec. 3, 2013, officials said.
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Four were killed in the crash and dozens more injured, including Rockefeller, who injured his left shoulder socket and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to his lawsuit.
Rockefeller now blames Metro-North for the derailment, saying it failed to create a safe work environment.
Rockefeller claims Metro-North didn't install a device that would automatically reduce his train's speed if it exceeded the limit in the area, nor another that would ensure he was awake while at the controls, nor a system that would force the train to slow down while approaching curves.
He also said that the rail authority promoted a "'deficient safety culture' that prizes on-time performance at the expense of protecting riders and workers," according to his lawsuit.
Rockefeller is asking for $10 million for his injuries, to penalize Metro-North's perceived negligence and offset his loss of earning ability after the crash, according to the lawsuit.
"As a result of said injuries, [Rockefeller] has and/or will suffer past and future lost wages and benefits, impairment to earning capacity, diminished pension benefits, medical expenses, pain, suffering, mental anguish and depression," his lawyers at Maurer Law Firm said in his lawsuit.
Metro-North did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Motorman Sues Metro-North for $10 Million After Deadly Derailment by DNAinfoNewYork on Scribd
