News

Report released on train collision

Photo:

Feb 13, 2013 at 6:27 am

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) Federal investigators blame crew error for a head-on collision between two Canadian National freight trains near Two Harbos in northeastern Minnesota in 2010.

The National Transportation Safety Board issued its report Tuesday on the crash that hurt all five crew members.

The NTSB says the probable cause was the southbound train crew's error in leaving a siding before the northbound train had passed.

The NTSB found the southbound train pulling 116 cars loaded with iron ore did not have authority to operate on the single track. The northbound train pulling 118 empty cars did have authority.

According to the report, the trains were operating on a track with no wayside signals to tell engineers whether the track ahead is clear.

The NTSB also noted crew fatigue contributed to the crash.