Driver of Amtrak Train That Derailed Sues Amtrak

Left: Brandon Bostian (Courtesy of Robert Mongeluzzi); Right: The aftermath of the Amtrak Train 188 derailment (AP/Mel Evans)

The driver of the Amtrak train that derailed in Port Richmond in 2015 has sued his former employer.

Brandon Bostian was the engineer of Amtrak 188. Eight people were killed and more than 200 were injured — including 11 critical injuries — in the crash. His lawsuit against Amtrak, filed Wednesday in Common Pleas Court, accused the railroad company of failing to provide a safe working environment.

The NTSB report on the crash laid the blame on Bostian, saying he was distracted by radio traffic about a rock that hit another train the same night and did not slow down enough as he entered a curve.

Bostian’s lawsuit says that Amtrak failed “to provide plaintiff with a safe environment to work in,” didn’t provide proper training, and didn’t warn Bostian of dangerous conditions. The suit says Bostian “suffered injuries to his head, back, legs and post concussion syndrome [and] in addition plaintiff suffered psychological injuries,” and that these injuries may be permanent.

He’s suing for a sum in excess of $50,000. Amtrak did not immediately return a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Lawsuit v. Amtrak by PhiladelphiaMagazine on Scribd