FBI investigating whether Amtrak train was struck by object

PHILADELPHIA, May 15 (UPI) -- The FBI is investigating the possibility an Amtrak train that derailed near Philadelphia killing eight people was struck by an object prior to the crash.

National Transportation Safety Board official Robert Sumwalt said there has been some evidence to suggest something struck the train's windshield.

One of Amtrak train 188's conductors told investigators she heard the train's engineer, Brandon Bostian, talking via radio with a local Philadelphia train engineer. The other engineer allegedly told Bostian "he had been either hit by a rock or shot at" and Bostian replied that he experienced the same thing.

Sumwalt said the FBI had been called in to investigate an impact area on the lower left-hand side of the train's windshield. NTSB also intends to interview the local train engineer who allegedly spoke with Bostian.

Sumwalt said the NTSB interviewed Bostian, who was "extremely cooperative" and exhibited a strong knowledge of Amtrak procedures and speeds. The engineer was not tired or ill at the time of the crash.

"He recalls ringing the train bell as he went through North Philadelphia Station, as required," Sumwalt said. "He has no recollection of anything past that."

Bostian's lawyer, Robert Goggin, said his client sustained a concussion and doesn't remember the crash. He said Bostian's cell phone was turned off.

"He remembers driving the train, he remembers going to that area generally, has absolutely no recollection of the incident or anything unusual," Goggin said.

He said Bostian remembers being tossed around, then finding his bag to retrieve his cell phone and call 911. The engineer received 14 staples in his head and had leg injuries. He also voluntarily submitted to giving a blood sample.

Amtrak train 188 derailed Tuesday evening, killing eight people and injuring more than 200.