NTSB Finds Train Operator at Fault in New Jersey Derailment

The National Transportation Safety Board is faulting a train operator for decisions leading up to a derailment that leaked hazardous gas into a New Jersey community as well as local officials for their response to the accident.

Tanker cars derailed on Nov. 30, 2012 on a bridge in Paulsboro, releasing vinyl chloride into the air. Much of the community was later evacuated.

The NTSB met in Washington on Tuesday and adopted a report finding Conrail failed to heed a consultant’s advice in the weeks before the derailment to keep the swinging bridge stationary because of problems. The agency also says it was wrong to have an insufficiently trained conductor inspect the bridge.

The board says Conrail and local officials made bad decisions after the derailment.