Rep. Brady demands NTSB fast-track investigation into a Philly train accident

The National Transportation Safety Board is looking into this week’s SEPTA commuter train crash in Upper Darby, the second at the station this year.  

A local congressman is turning up the heat for a quick determination of the cause of the incident.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady represents parts of both Philadelphia and Upper Darby.  He said the second SEPTA crash at 69th Street station needs to be investigated and a cause determined quickly.

“Why does it take a year, they’ve got eight people inspecting it? I understand there’s 20 some cars, but does that take a year?  They gotta go to Washington, go to the lab, what could that take, a month, why do they say it takes a year?”

Brady said he will call for a congressional investigation if the matter isn’t resolved to his satisfaction.

“I can put a hearing together and I did send a letter to them,” said Brady. 

Eric Weiss of the NTSB said investigations are done as quickly as possible.  He said it could take a year or more to complete, but if there is a safety issue, the NTSB will issue an alert before the investigation is done.