In this photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board on Sept. 30, 2016, the event recorder retrieved from the locomotive involved in the fatal Sept. 29, 2016 train accident in Hoboken, N.J. is shown. One person died and over 100 were injured when a fast moving New Jersey Transit train ran through a barrier, became airborne and crashed into the train station. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP)
Republished October 01, 2016 - 2:53 PM
Original Publication Date October 01, 2016 - 12:35 PM
HOBOKEN, N.J. - A U.S. government official says the Federal Railroad Administration had investigated New Jersey Transit and found dozens of safety violations months before a commuter train crash, which killed one woman and injured more than 100.
The official, who's familiar with the agency's audit, spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to speak publicly about an ongoing investigation.
The official said Saturday the FRA conducted an audit of New Jersey Transit in June and violations were found. The official says the rail agency also was fined.
A follow-up phase of the audit, focusing on ensuring the railroad's compliance with safety guidelines, was ongoing when a commuter train slammed into Hoboken Terminal Thursday.
A spokesman for New Jersey Transit didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016