Blumenthal Statement on Fatal Amtrak Accident in Wallingford

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement after two people were struck by an Amtrak train in Wallingford on Tuesday evening, with one reported fatality.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic accident. I am still seeking facts about last night’s incident in Wallingford, but another tragedy on the tracks reminds us that we must do everything possible to strengthen and secure the safety of our rail network. A full report should be made public as soon as possible. Trespassing is the leading cause of death on the nation’s railroads, killing more than 400 people a year. It is imperative that we act aggressively – through enforcement, education, engineering, and technology – to reduce this sad statistic to zero. Barriers to self-destructive behavior may never be foolproof, but can be made more effective."

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