Metro Transit Police said that the National Transportation Safety Board would be investigating.
Is that because of the fatality, or because the NTSB is conveniently located next door
I have not seen any indication that an NTSB "Go Team" has launched; this is apparently an NTSB regional office investigation. I have noticed a tendancy over the past few years reserve a "Go Team" only for the most significant accidents thus minimizing the "drama" created by a full blown NTSB response.
The NTSB investigates accidents when the the lessons learned will help make a safety difference. This accident seems to fit that mold.
Reasons I see for the investigation:
1. What caused the fire; could it have been prevented.
2. The long delay in locating source is of concern and most likely contributed to severity of smoke. (Basic firefighting - get to the source.)
3. What series car is involved? Is their a "class" problem that needs to be addressed?
4. Was there a delay in determining that a train was involved; all early reports only indicated smoke in the station.
5. Evacuation delay/duration; there were reports that train evacuation was delayed and not completed for more than an hour after the initial alarm (the train was approx. 150' from the platform) - there are also reports that the station emergency exit signs were not visible in the smoke making evacuation difficult.
6. Tunnel Ventilation - was it used in a timely and effective manner?
7. Emergency Responder Communications in the tunnel; this has been a problem for the DCFD in the past; NTSB can now look to see if the issue is really resolved
8, Did any of the above contribute to the fatality.
There are likely many more questions that need answers.
Ross