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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Circuit Flaw Suspected in DC Crash

Electronic 'anomalies' found, markings indicated driver hit emergency brakes

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(Newser) – Federal investigators believe an electronic problem may have caused Monday's deadly train crash in Washington DC, the Washington Post reports. Teesting has uncovered "anomalies" in a section of the Metro's automated control system, which senses train locations and sends speed commands, according to investigators.

Investigators are seeking to determine whether the automated system failed to detect the presence of a train plowed into by another in a catastrophic collision that killed nine people, including the driver. Markings on the track indicate that the driver hit the emergency brakes some 400 feet before the crash. Officials plan to run simulations to see if anything could have obstructed the driver's view of the other train.

Washington Transit Police work the site in Washington where two metro trains collided on Monday. At right is a section of electrified rail that was removed for the investigation.
Washington Transit Police work the site in Washington where two metro trains collided on Monday. At right is a section of electrified rail that was removed for the investigation.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Officials work around the scene of a rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington, DC.
Officials work around the scene of a rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington, DC.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Rescue workers respond to the site of two Washington Metro trains that collided with one another between the Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations during the evening rush hour Monday.
Rescue workers respond to the site of two Washington Metro trains that collided with one another between the Fort Totten and Takoma Park stations during the evening rush hour Monday.   (Getty Images)
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