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Schumer Calls On Metro-North For Action Report On Derailment

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D- N.Y.) and Richard Blumenthal (D- Conn.) have called on Metro-North officials to investigate Wednesday night's derailment and to provide a report on how the incident can be avoided moving forward. 

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Photo Credit: Charles Schumer Facebook Page
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Photo Credit: File

“The most recent Metro-North derailment outside of Grand Central Station demonstrates that we are not fully on track towards a satisfactory record of safety on the Metro-North,” Schumer said in a statement. “I am urging the Metro-North to fully and quickly investigate this accident, report back its findings and develop any further recommendations to avoid such an accident in the future.”

The 5:19 train to Wassaic was departing a Grand Central Terminal platform when it derailed on Wednesday night. There were no injuries and all passengers were able to evacuate the train, but the incident created serious delays for thousands of commuters. 

“No derailment is a minor derailment. Much more than a minor inconvenience, this disturbing multiple car derailment delays and disrupts travel for countless riders," Blumenthal said in a statement. "The derailment, fairly or not, recalls past incidents renewing concerns about safety and reliability."

Both senators were quick to praise Metro-North officials for improving the "safety of culture" within the commuter rail, but also noted that the derailment is further proof that more needs to be done. 

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