Cayce, SC (WLTX) - Federal investigators say human decision making and actions likely played a key role in the Amtrak train crash in Lexington County this month that left two people dead and injured dozens of others.
The National Transportation Safety Board released a safety recommendation report Thursday which included some new details about the collision on February 4 that happened on a set of tracks off the Charleston Highway.
Previous Coverage: Rail Switch was in Wrong Position Before Crash, NTSB Says
A conductor and engineer aboard the Amtrak died, and over 100 passengers were hurt.
The latest report confirms a hand thrown switch was in the wrong position causing the Amtrak train to go head on into the CSX train. If the switch had been in the proper position, the Amtrak would have continued on the main track, and not been diverted to the side track, where the CSX had been parked.
The report says the engineer of the parked CSX train was able to get off the train and run to safety just before the other train collided with it.
Previous Coverage: Amtrak Train was Breaking in Final Seconds Before Crash
On the day before the accident, CSX signal personnel suspended the traffic control signal system to install an updated system for positive train control.
Previous Coverage: 'There's a Baby That's Bleeding:' Amtrak Crash 911 Tapes Reveal Early Frantic Moments
The NTSB is recommending the federal railroad administration issue an emergency order for trains to move slower and confirm switch locations as they pass through areas where signal suspensions are in effect.
Lawsuits have already been filed in connection with the crash. A more detailed accident report is
NTSB Safety Recommendation Amtrak Crash Cayce, SC by WLTX on Scribd