The operator of the Metro-North passenger train, which derailed on Sunday killing four people and injuring more than 60 others, has reportedly claimed that he tried to apply the brakes but they didn't work.
The tragic accident, a second this year by the rail service, took place as the train went into a bend in the railway line near Spuyten Duyvil station after traveling lot faster than usual.
Operator William Rockefeller, who was also injured in the fatal train wreck, told investigators about the issue with the brakes, the New York Post reports.
Law enforcement sources said that Rockefeller is a 20-year veteran of the MTA and has clean disciplinary record.
Rockefeller's supporter, Neighbor Tracy Pool, 52, said that he is an avid motorcyclist but always stayed within the speed limit with his trains and insisted that he wouldn't take unnecessary risk with passengers.
The operator's father also agreed and said that Rockefeller is one of the better engineers and most dependable.
A section of line between the Bronx and part of Westchester County could be closed for a week or more and Governor Cuomo warned commuters to expect long delays.
