Speed, Lack of Awareness Blamed for Three-Train SEPTA Crash in Pennsylvania

Federal investigators say speed and a lack of awareness were likely to blame for an accident last year near Philadelphia, Penn., involving three out-of-service SEPTA trains.

A train rear-ended a stopped train near the 69th Street Station, causing several cars from both to derail. Derailed cars struck a third train traveling in the opposite direction on another track.

The accident occurred on a loop where trains turn around.

The operators of the first two trains and two passengers on the first train were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the operator of the striking train was traveling about 14 mph. He said he could not remember his actions before the crash.

The board Thursday said that his temporary loss of awareness and lack of proper speed control likely caused the accident.