New Jersey Transit (NJT) Train No. 1614 Fatal Crash

Philadelphia, PA (September 29, 2016) – Philadelphia trial attorneys Tom Kline and Robert J. Mongeluzzi, lead co-counsel on behalf of victims in the fatal Amtrak Train No. 188 federal litigation, are calling for immediate nationwide passenger rail vehicle and system safety inspections in light of this morning’s fatal New Jersey Transit (NJT) crash in Hoboken Station. And they are urging lawmakers and regulators to accelerate the delayed installation of automatic train braking safety systems.

“The American riding public has shockingly once again had its trust and confidence in passenger rail operators shattered with this latest fatal rail accident,” said Mr. Kline (of Kline & Specter, P.C.) and Mr. Mongeluzzi (of Saltz, Mongeluzzi & Bendesky, P.C.). “One such accident is unacceptable, but this string of fatal tragedies underscores a new sense of urgency to ensure that, among other safeguards, automatic train braking (including Positive Train Control) systems are in place and operational ASAP on every mile of every rail corridor throughout the United States. This is another possible case where deferring safety-related spending is costing, not saving, lives.” Both lawyers extended their condolences to those who lost loved ones in today’s disaster, and to the more than 100 reported injured.

The two Philadelphia law firms were the first to file complaints on behalf of injured passengers in the May 12, 2015 Amtrak Train No. 188 fatal derailment, and then resulting from the April 3, 2016 Amtrak Train No. 89 crash that killed two Amtrak track workers near Chester, Pennsylvania.