Statement by FHWA Administrator Kenneth R. Wykle Regarding Amtrak’s City of New Orleans

Topics:  Kenneth R. Wykle

Federal Highway Administration
March 16, 1999

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 16, 1999
Contact: Gail Shibley
Telephone: 202-366-0660
FHWA 18-99

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.