SCHUMER, BLUMENTHAL: SAFETY MUST COME FIRST; WE HAVE TO EXAMINE RAIL SAFETY ACROSS THE COUNTRY

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Richard Blumenthal, who have held several joint rail safety events in the past, released the following joint statement in response to last night’s Amtrak derailment along the Northeast Rail Corridor:

“Our hearts and prayers go out to those we lost and those who were injured in the tragic derailment last night. Our praise also goes out to the brave first responders, who worked in dark, dire, chaotic conditions, guiding passengers to safety. They are still at work now, helping families locate loved ones. 

“It is critical now that the Federal Railroad Administration and National Transportation Safety Board complete a swift and thorough investigation so we learn what caused this calamitous event. 

“It’s too soon to conclude the cause; but one thing is certain and that is that this horrific accident spotlights the urgent need to improve railroad safety all across this country. Crashes and derailments leading to mayhem and death have become far too common, contributing to an alarming spike in railroad-related deaths this last year. We simply cannot ignore the shrieking whistles of warning telling us:  it is long past time to upgrade our rail infrastructure and implement comprehensive railroad safety reform.” – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Richard Blumenthal