Massive settlement reached in Amtrak train derailment in DuPont

Amtrak has settled for an undisclosed amount with former engineer Steve Brown over the 2017 derailment that killed three people and injured dozens more in DuPont, Wash.

Brown broke several bones in his face and chest during the incident and was granted the ability to sue for physical and mental damages by a Pierce County Court.

The train was moving into a curve between DuPont and Nisqually at 80 mph instead of the 30 mph recommended in the zone, causing a derailment after Brown missed the sign to slow down.

Engineer ‘didn’t recall seeing’ speed sign before DuPont train derailment

In an investigation done by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the board concluded that Amtrak is responsible for the derailment.

John Hiatt, an investigator with Bremseth Law Firm for more than 30 years, led the investigation into the derailment.

“There were defects in the equipment. They knew that leaving the terminal, and they altered that equipment and still let the train go and they got fined for it,” Hiatt said. “But you know, it’s cutting corners, it’s always about cutting corners.”

Due to insufficient practice runs, a lack of speed control software, and issues surrounding new locomotives that were not designed for use, the court found that the company was responsible for the crash instead of the engineer. The train was not cleared for the track, and the locomotive’s European design wasn’t familiar to staff in correspondence with their training.

“I mean, these guys didn’t have a prayer, and as the NTSB stated he was set up for failure,” said Hiatt. “What are you going to say? No, let some other guy take this job. So Steve’s a very conscientious employee, he did what he was told to do. Just didn’t work out.”

The train has since resumed its route to DuPont, with the train now outfitted with satellite-based speed control software and new crew training mandates to prevent future incidents.

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