Investigating the Metrolink Crash: Was the Light Green?

LA Now is reporting that interviews with witnesses of last month's deadly Metrolink-Union Pacific train crash have shed light on findings in opposition of the National Transportation Safety Board--and the color of that light just happens to be green.

Three observers, including the Metrolink Chatsworth station security guard, claim "that a final, crucial railroad signal was green as the commuter line's engineer headed toward the collision point." Evidence gathered in the NTSB's preliminary investigation indicate the light was red; paired with the ongoing discussion of Robert Sanchez's on-duty text-messaging activities just prior to the collision many believe it was the late engineer's overlooking the signal that caused the accident.

According to the Times, it is not uncommon for investigators to hear conflicting reports from witnesses, particularly when the incident is "catastrophic." The witnesses, however, remain insistent.

The NTSB work to determine what happened during the crash as part of the investigation | AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes