Press Releases

Kennedy’s Letter Called for Swift Investigation Into Accident That Claimed Lives of Three, Including a 6-Year-Old Boy and for Recommendations to Improve Safety for At-Grade Crossings

Fatal Accident Follows a Similar Accident In January That Killed 29-Year-Old Woman

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. - Following a letter from Congressman Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has confirmed to Kennedy’s office it will undertake an investigation into the accident that occurred on Friday, May 17th between an Amtrak train and a passenger vehicle in the City of North Tonawanda. The accident claimed the lives of three individuals: a 69-year-old man, a 66-year-old woman, and a 6-year-old boy. The accident is the second fatal train collision in North Tonawanda this year, following a crash in January that killed a 29-year-old woman. In his letter to FRA, Kennedy noted that the Administration’s input will be vital in helping formulate new policies and procedures that can help reduce the occurrence of at-grade crossing collisions. According to FRA, more than 200 people die each year in these types of accidents, a tragically-high number.

“I’m grateful that FRA has quickly heeded our call and has opened an investigation into this tragedy,” said  Congressman Kennedy. “Deaths from at-grade crossing collisions are all-too-common nationwide and here at home in Western New York. An investigation is the first step, which will provide us with the knowledge we need to make safety improvements not just at this specific intersection, but on a much wider basis. Transportation technology is improving every day, and we need to make sure that our nationwide system has the latest in safety innovations to help prevent future occurrences like this.”

There are eighteen at-grade 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.

###