Los Angeles Train Collision

- Engineer: Robert Sanchez
- Collision took place at 4: 32 p.m. local time
- Chatsworth is in the San Fernando Valley
- Commuter train was part of Metrolink system of the L.A. area
- The deadliest train accident in the U.S. in over 15 yearsMSNBC: Commuter, freight trains collide near L.A. (September 12, 2008)

A commuter train collided with a freight train in the Chatsworth suburb of Los Angeles on September 12, 2008. 25 people were killed and another 135 were injured in the crash.MSNBC: Commuter, freight trains collide near L.A. (September 12, 2008)
Preliminary reports stated that the crash occurred when the train engineer failed to stop at a red signal. Local teen and train enthusiast Nick Williams later told reporters that he had exchanged several messages with engineer Robert Sanchez on the afternoon of the crash.FOX News: Metrolink Engineer Texting Moments Before Crash (September 14, 2008) Federal safety investigators later reported that a text message was sent from Sanchez's cell phone just 22 seconds before the collision.Los Angeles Times: Management knew about train engineer's texting... (January 6, 2009)
Accountability

In January of 2009, lawyers representing several of the victims of the crash reported that engineer Robert Sanchez had a history of sending and receiving text messages while on duty, despite it being against company policy. A co-worker of Sanchez had said he had informed his superiors of Sanchez's on the job cell phone use on at least one occasion. Several agencies are involved in the investigation, which is expected to extend several months into 2009.Los Angeles Times: Management knew about train engineer's texting... (January 6, 2009)