Press Releases

In Letter to FRA, Kennedy Noted Previous Fatal Accident at Same Location in 2001, In Addition to Other Accidents

Kennedy Highlights Need for Action to Prevent Future At-Grade Crossing Deaths and Injuries

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Following a fatal collision on Friday, May 17th between an Amtrak passenger train and a passenger vehicle that claimed the lives of three people, Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), has written a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). In his letter, Kennedy requested that the FRA conduct an investigation into the accident in an expedited manner and, if appropriate, make recommendations to improve the safety of the CSX-owned crossing. Kennedy’s letter noted that the at-grade crossing, one of eighteen in the City of North Tonawanda, previously saw a fatal accident in 2001, as well as other non-fatal accidents. Similarly, there was a fatal accident at another North Tonawanda crossing at Witmer Road in January. There is additionally a local investigation ongoing into the accident.

As the former Chair of the State Senate Transportation Committee, Kennedy spearheaded the introduction of a freight rail safety package following the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio. This package would create a central database for reports, audits, and train inspections. It would limit train lengths to no more than 8,500 feet, require at least two crewmembers on freight trains, increase the use of safety gauges and positive train control technology, establish a freight rail safety task force, and require disclosure to the state when hazardous materials enter or pass through the state. As more information is learned about the causes of the tragedy in North Tonawanda, Kennedy will work with his colleagues to address rail safety at the federal level.

“Our region is heartbroken for the loved ones of the three individuals who lost their lives last Friday, including a six year old boy,” said Congressman Kennedy. “More than 200 people lose their lives each year on at-grade crossings across the country. Each is a tragedy, and we need to do more. We need to take the information we will learn from this investigation and turn it into action. The best tool we have here will be knowledge, and I look forward to working to improve the safety of rail at the federal level, just as I have worked to at the state level.”

Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chairman of the NYS Senate Transportation Committee said “My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the grandparents and six-year-old who tragically lost their lives during the heartbreaking accident last Friday. I agree with Congressman Kennedy that this incident should be thoroughly investigated so we can determine what could have been done differently, and do everything in our power to make sure something like this never happens again.”

“Though our hearts are heavy in the wake of the fatal collision in North Tonawanda, it is of comfort to us that the city’s leadership and law enforcement took immediate action to launch an investigation into the circumstances of this tragedy,” said Assemlymember Bill Conrad. “I thank them for their diligence, and I thank Congressman Kennedy for applying the appropriate federal resources to this process. Finally, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ loved ones, and I wish peace for the first responders who answered Friday evening’s call for aid.”

“As our local investigation into this tragic accident continues, it is important that we receive the input of the experts from the Federal Railroad Administration,” said North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec. “I want to thank Congressman Kennedy for his concern for the people of North Tonawanda and our infrastructure, and I look forward to working together with all sides to make our community safer.”

According to the FRA, investigations can vary in duration, but the agency aims to complete all major accident investigations within 270 days. Following completion, a formal written report is issued that provides details of the accident. The Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis reports that there are 18 at-grade rail crossings in the City of North Tonawanda. Not accounting for last week’s accident, there are 6 documented incidents at the Felton Street crossing. They occurred in 2017, 2013, 2001 (1 fatality, 1 injury), 1997 (1 injury), and 1984.

Kennedy's letter is attached.

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