BROOKLYN — The engineer who was operating the LIRR train before it derailed at Atlantic Terminal told investigators he didn’t remember the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.
The train was traveling more than 10 miles per hour in a 5-mile-per-hour zone when it slammed into the end of the track, injuring 104 people during the Wednesday morning commute.
The 12-year railroad veteran was finishing up a night shift he started just after midnight when he entered the terminal, NTSB official Ted Turpin said during a press conference.
He later told officials he did not remember the collision, though he was sure he wasn’t using his cellphone, Turpin added.
Investigators drug tested the engineer, but the results were not yet available.
Turpin said he was not aware of any other disciplinary issues or medical conditions with the train operator.
NTSB investigators were also waiting for MTA workers to remove the front of the train from the terminal so they could reconstruct it at another location.
Safety advocates have called for positive train control to prevent future accidents.
The system is not required in terminals, Turpin said, adding “we want to have PTC that prevent hazards anywhere.”
None of the passengers suffered life-threatening injuries. One commuter filed a $5 million notice of claim against the MTA after hurting his knee, neck and back.
