NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — NY-26 Representative Tim Kennedy is calling on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to look into the fatal train crash that killed three people in North Tonawanda.
In a letter to the FRA, Kennedy, the former chair of the State Senate Transportation Committee, called for an investigation, and if appropriate, recommendations to improve safety at the CSX-owned railroad crossing at Felton Street and River Road.
Prior incidents at this crossing, one of which was fatal, occurred in 1984, 1997, 2001 (fatal), 2013 and 2017.
“More than 200 people lose their lives each year on at-grade crossings across the country. Each is a tragedy, and we need to do more,” Kennedy said.
Typically, the FRA aims to finish all major accident investigations within 270 days.
Kennedy’s letter can be read in its entirety below:
Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.