Big Sky Times

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded its investigation into the tragic Amtrak derailment that occurred on September 25, 2021, in Joplin, Montana. The findings reveal that the derailment, which resulted in the loss of three lives and left 49 passengers and crew injured, was primarily caused by poor track conditions, according to a July 27 press release.

"This tragedy is a powerful reminder that there's no substitute for robust track inspection practices, which can prevent derailments by identifying track conditions that may deteriorate over time," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in the release.

According to the NTSB's comprehensive report, a combination of factors contributed to the disaster. The westbound Empire Builder, consisting of two locomotives and ten cars, derailed while navigating a right-hand curve on the BNSF Railway main track. The investigation highlighted several critical issues that led to the accident, including worn rail, vertical track deflection, subgrade instability and track misalignment, according to the release.

In the press release, Homendy stressed the importance of robust track inspection practices, stating that such measures are crucial in identifying potential hazards before they escalate. 

During the rollover, some windows failed to remain intact, exacerbating passenger injuries, according to the release. The NTSB pointed out the need for improved performance standards for window retention systems and better compartmentalization in Amtrak's passenger railcars to enhance passenger safety during such incidents.

The investigation also shed light on the significance of addressing worn rail issues promptly. In this case, rail replacement should have been carried out before train wheels contacted the top of a rail joint bar to prevent further wear and tear, which posed a serious safety risk, according to the release. The NTSB raised concerns about the adequacy of walking inspections in the derailment area, questioning safety-related employees' workload management at BNSF Railway. Following the investigation, NTSB introduced three new safety recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, one to all Class I and intercity railroads and two to BNSF railway, hoping to address issues of safety, according to the release.