Initial reports indicated seven fatalities, but the count was revised Wednesday monring, Feb. 4.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Aaron Donovan said the dead included the driver of the car—a woman who was outside the vehicle when the collision occurred—and six people on board the train. The first car of the train (an M-7 electric multiple-unit consist) and the Jeep caught fire. Witnesses reported seeing an explosion, followed by the fire.
The Harlem Line is 750 VDC third-rail-electrified. Preliminary reports say the force of the collision caused the live third rail to dislodge and spear the Jeep, possibly entering the vehicle’s gas tank. Gasoline then ignited, causing the explosion and fire. (Metro-North extended third-rail power on the Harlem Line north of North White Plains, N.Y., in 1984, which added Valhalla to the railroad’s electrified territory.)
The collision occurred at the Commerce Street grade crossing in Valhalla. “The gates came down on top of the vehicle, which was stopped on the tracks,” Metro-North’s Donovan said in a statement. “The driver got out to look at the rear of the car, then she got back in and drove forward and was stuck.” He said the force from the impact pushed the Jeep about 10 railcar lengths (about 850 feet) north of the crossing. The train involved was Metro-North 659, which departed Grand Central Terminal at 5:44 p.m. The collision occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m.
“The FRA and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) have worked hard to develop specifications to enhance the safety of rail passenger railcars, including collision posts,” rail safety specialist Paul Messina told Railway Age. “Strict flammability and toxicity standards are set by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) for materials that are utilized for the seats, walls, floors, and other appurtenances within railcar interiors. Each car is also equipped with window exits that are clearly marked and enable passengers to quickly exit a train in the event of an accident. The side doors also have clearly marked emergency releases. The M-7 electric multiple-unit cars are relatively new, and have all of these safety features incorporated into their design. Unfortunately, it seems apparent that gasoline and vapors may have caused this fire. Therefore, regardless of the safety standards that were incorporated into the design of these cars, a fire engulfed the lead car of the train.”
Messina has served as APTA’s Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum chairman and in that role participated in the development of the safety standards now employed on North American passenger railcars.