Brandon Bostian, the engineer operating the Amtrak train that derailed in Philadelphia on May 12, was not using his cell phone at the time of the crash, investigators announced Wednesday.
"The engineer provided the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with the passcode to the cell phone, which allowed investigators to access the data without having to go through the phone manufacturer," federal investigators
wrote in statement.
"Analysis of the phone records does not indicate that any calls, texts, or data usage occurred during the time the engineer was operating the train. Amtrak’s records confirm that the engineer did not access the train’s Wi-Fi system while he was operating the locomotive."
Robert Goggin, Bostian’s lawyer, said that his client "has absolutely no recollection whatsoever of the events" that occurred immediately prior to the derailment, noting that he suffered a concussion. The only thing Bostian remembers, said Goggin, is "coming to, finding his bag, getting his cellphone and dialing 911,"
The New York Times reported.
Investigators previously found that there was no mechanical failure that cause the crash, however they said it was traveling 106 miles-per-hour in a zone where the speed limit was 50.
Eight people died in the train wreck, and many more were injured.
Investigators are still exploring the possibility that an outside force, such as a large rock, could have precipitated the derailment when it was thrown through the windshield.
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