FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 16, 1999
Contact: Gail Shibley
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 18-99
Statement by
FHWA Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle
Regarding Amtrak’s City of New Orleans
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all who died when Amtrak’s City of New Orleans struck a truck at a railroad crossing near Chicago last night and also express my concern for all who were injured. We must make every effort to prevent tragedies like this.
As a result of the crash, I have ordered a compliance review of Melco Transfer, Inc., to assess the company’s adherence to federal motor carrier safety regulations. I also have pledged the FHWA’s total cooperation with investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and other state and local agencies to determine the cause of the crash.
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