Blumenthal Issues Statement Regarding Connecticut Train Collision

(Hartford, CT) -- U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement today regarding the train collision in Connecticut:

"I have been in close contact with National Transportation Safety Board leadership and on site investigators and am confident they will do a thorough and timely investigation to determine the cause of this alarming crash, including a careful review of the safety features of the new Metro-North cars. The NTSB understands that the quicker they are done investigating on site, the sooner the railroad can be repaired and service can be restored. 

Safety features and improved standards such as the new cars may have saved lives yesterday and need to be thoroughly understood. These and other investments in upgrading public services are consequential. Safe and reliable rail service is a key priority for our economy. It is imperative that we identify the cause of this crash and work swiftly to repair the damaged infrastructure and systems in such a way that this kind of catastrophe never happens again. 

The damage and destruction at the site is staggering, and I want to thank the crew and first responders whose quick reactions and heroic efforts undoubtedly saved lives."

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