Fatal Crash Caused by Train Operators Working Over 12 Hours

Investigations of a South Carolina crash caused by two trains in January found that the conductor, brakeman and engineer surpassed their twelve-hour work limit when the accident occurred. The three men had parked their train for the night when a Norfolk Southern train crashed into them. The members of the parked train thought they had moved a switch which would keep their train on the right track, but in their rush to conclude within the 12-hour time limit they say they may not have followed proper procedures. President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Don Hahs, said fatigue played a significant role in the Graniteville crash which killed nine people, injured 250 and forced 5,400 to evacuate.