NTSB investigating passenger comments that train stopped then started before crash

NTSB: Train stopped then started before crash

WASHINGTON — Federal safety officials are investigating a passenger’s statement that the Washington Metrorail train that struck another in a deadly accident stopped briefly then started again before the crash.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators are interviewing surviving passengers on the trains involved in the accident that killed nine and injured more than 70 others.

One passenger was quoted in media reports as saying he heard an announcement before the crash that the train that struck the other was stopping because another train was ahead.

The train then started moving and within seconds struck another that was stopped on the track ahead.