USA:
Baltimore Light Rail crash injures 22

A Baltimore Light Rail train crashed into the buffers at

photo : Washington Post

Baltimore-Washington International Airport yesterday (13 Feb 2000) injuring at least 22 people.
The crash occurred at about 2:45 p.m. at the Light Rail terminal near the airport's international arrival area. It was carrying 23 people. It is unclear how fast the 2-car electric train was travelling. Although it can reach speeds of up to 50 mph, witnesses said that it had reduced speed prior to the impact.

The train is manually controlled - there are no automatic braking devices. Ronald L. Freeland, MTA administrator said "It appears no braking went on at all".

Two of the injured are reported to have sustained serious injuries, but they are in a stable condition. The remainder, including the train driver escaped with only minor injuries.

An investigation into the accident is to be undertaken by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The light rail route runs from Baltimore-Penn station to the airport. The usual journey time is 40 minutes.

Thanks to Ian P. Pirie

Web sources:

Light Rail Train Crashes at BWI, Injuring 23
Washington Post 14/02/2000

Commuter train hits barrier at airport
Canoe 13/02/2000