Investigators appear to be focusing on operator error and perhaps the failure of the signal system as the causes for the Red Line Metro commuter train crash on Monday, June 22, 2009 during the evening rush hour. The accident occurred just outside the Fort Totten station in Northeast Washington D.C. There had been similar incidents in the past where disaster was narrowly avoided. A computer system is supposed to prevent trains from colliding into one another by detecting the whereabouts of trains and the speed they are traveling. In approximately 2004 a similar incident involving the failure of the warning system almost led to a collision between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn. At that time the operators of the trains acted quickly and manually stopped the trains in order to avoid a collision. Another near catastrophic incident occurred in June 2005 when one train was overtaking another train and, fortunately, an alert operator discovered the malfunctioning system and he caused the train to brake before colliding with the train in front. Supposedly, the computer system is failsafe in this regard but obviously that is not always true. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash but results are not likely for several weeks. During rush hour almost all the commuter trains are running in the automatic mode. This is supposed to prevent trains from coming too close to one another. The driver of the runaway train had only been employed by Metro since 2007 and supposedly was relatively inexperienced. Obviously, various theories of liability will be considered by experienced accident attorneys including but not limited to operator error, failure of the computer system, negligent hiring of the operator, negligent training of the operator, and negligent maintenance of the computer system. The fact that similar incident had occurred in the past only heightens the responsibility of Metro. Even though one of the train operators died in the crash, it is hopeful that tests will be performed to make sure there were no other personal health related issues or other reasons for the accident. Our experienced attorneys have handled many commuter train accident are are familiar with all aspects of accidental crashes. More infomation on Metro accidents. We have the ability to hire experts to assist us with proper presentation of evidence needed to prove liability and damages. Please contact one of our attorneys if you, a friend or relative was injured in the Metro accident.