Victims of Metro Crash Have Good Reason to Be Angry

Those injured and the families of those killed in the metro crash in Washington, D.C. have good reason to be angry. Evidence is emerging that WMATA, the entity that owns and operates Metrorail in Washington, D.C., failed to perform required maintenance on the train's brakes, failed to modify aging train cars, and failed to take cars out of service that were outdated. News agencies are now reporting that 9 individuals were killed in the crash including an elementary school employee, distinguished members of the armed forces (including Major General David F. Wherley, Jr.), and young entrepreneurs aged 23-64. The NTSB is investigating the crash and preliminary reports indicate that the cause was a communication breakdown between operators, failure of the signal/automatic operation system and operator error (failure to apply emergency brakes). Evidence has also emerged that the striking train was amongst Metro's oldest in its fleet of trains. In fact, several years ago federal regulators told Metro that the car needed to be enhanced and strengthened (or put out of service) if they were going to continue to use it. Metro apprently did not listen to this simple recommendation. Evidence has also emerged that a similar incident (albeit without the tragic results) in 2005 where the metro signal system failed between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn. Unfortunately, the operator of the train that apparently caused the crash died (Jeanice MacMillan, age 42 from Springfield, VA). Therefore it is unlikely we will learn exactly what happened. But one thing is for sure--the weather was clear. It was light outside. While there is absolutely no reason on the planet earth that Ms. MacMillan should have crashed the train into the stopped train in front of her, it is unfair to blame the crash solely on Ms. MacMillan. That is too easy since she is not here to defend herself. WMATA is to blame. They had an outdated train that they were told to take out of service and they did not. They need to be held accountable, and criminal charges should be considered againt the individuals who made this tragic decision. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims including the deceased and their families: David Wherely, Jr, Lavonda King (from Washington, D.C. NE), Ana Fernandez, Veronica Dubose, Mary Doolittle, and Dennis Hawkins. The phone number to call for information about possible victims is 866-797-4930 or just dial "311."