NTSB rail accident reports: MARTA, BNSF cases and dockets

NTSB rail accident reports and investigative updates have come out in recent weeks, alongside several public dockets tied to ongoing rail accidents, as summarized by Progressive Railroading.

The updates span MARTA track protection procedures, an HSI Port of Stockton rerailing accident, and conductor injuries connected to switching or shoving movements.

NTSB rail accident reports: key findings and updates

One report centers on an Oct. 19, 2024, incident in Atlanta involving Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). The NTSB concluded that MARTA track protection procedures were insufficient for the location and type of work being performed.

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A technician working on wayside train approach lights was struck by a MARTA train. Investigators said the procedures did not provide adequate warning time for technicians to move to safety before the train arrived, consistent with the NTSB Railroad Investigation Report (RIR2602). The NTSB also cited a contributing factor: the designated lookout was performing tasks not consistent with his duties, which meant the oncoming train was not detected in time.

HSI Port of Stockton rerailing accident

The NTSB also issued findings on a March 11, 2025, accident involving Hulcher Services Inc. (HSI) at the Port of Stockton in California. The board determined the probable cause was the lack of a standardized process for how and where a crew member should be safely positioned when operating a hand brake during a rerailing operation.

According to the NTSB, an HSI assistant division manager trainee was seriously hurt while working as part of an eight-person crew rerailing four rail cars that had derailed. After the accident, HSI added a new rule to its safe practices handbook and incorporated it into its standard operating procedures.

Public dockets for Union Pacific and R. J. Corman cases

In addition to investigation reports, the NTSB opened the public docket for its ongoing investigation of a June 25, 2025, accident in Lexington, Nebraska, involving a Union Pacific Railroad conductor. The conductor was seriously injured while riding the lead tank car during a shoving movement.

The NTSB also opened a public docket for its ongoing investigation of a June 26, 2025, accident at Guthrie Yard in Guthrie, Kentucky. The case involves an R. J. Corman Railway Group conductor who was seriously injured during a rail-car switching operation. Although the docket has been opened, it has not been released as of today.

BNSF grade crossing welding truck accident near New Rockford

Another NTSB investigation report addressed a Nov. 4, 2024, accident near New Rockford, North Dakota, involving BNSF Railway employees. A BNSF Railway maintenance-of-way employee was fatally struck by a BNSF freight train while driving a welding truck across a highway–railroad grade crossing, and another maintenance-of-way employee in the passenger seat was injured.

The NTSB determined the probable cause was the welding team’s failure to detect the approaching BNSF freight train as they backed the welding truck over the private grade crossing.

A contributing factor was the team’s noncompliance with, and lack of understanding of, BNSF’s safety rule S-12.8; Railway Supply also summarizes the NTSB’s conclusions in its coverage of the case, NTSB final report BNSF collision: N.D. crash findings. After the accident, BNSF clarified the backing rule.

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