NTSB: Witnesses reported 'issues' at Amtrak crash site

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Federal investigators are looking into witness reports that indicate past "issues" at the Virginia railroad crossing where an Amtrak train crashed into a garbage truck this week.

In an update late Thursday, the National Transportation Safety Board said it has spoken to four witnesses who raised the concerns.

"From our witness reports we have obtained some information about some issues that occurred at that grade crossing," Peter Kowalski, the NTSB's investigator in charge, said at a news conference.

The NTSB said it hopes to review the forward facing camera on the lead engine to learn how the signals were working at the time of the crash. Officials said the camera was damaged.

Kowalski also said some of the electrical components are being sent to the laboratory and may provide investigators with information on more details of the crash.

The driver of the truck was killed and others were injured Wednesday when the train collided with the garbage truck at the crossing near Charlottesville, Va. The train carried dozens of Republican congressional members who were headed to a retreat in West Virginia.

Data downloaded from the time of the collision said the train was traveling at 61 mph when the throttle transitioned to idle, the NTSB said. The train went to maximum braking condition approximately 20 seconds after the transition. The maximum speed at this crossing is 60 mph.

Investigators said the trash company that owns the truck, Time Disposal, has been "very cooperative" through the investigation.

"The company has a drug and alcohol testing program," Kowalski said.

Christopher Foley, the driver who died in the crash, had been employed by the company for about seven years. Officials said Time Disposal has two crashes on record, in 2015 and 2016.

The NTSB said the crash is classified as a grade crossing accident and not an act of terrorism. Investigators have ruled out foul play.