The engineer operating the Amtrak train that derailed near DuPont says he misjudged where he was along the new high-speed route before it hurtled into a curve at more than twice the speed limit, according to the Associated Press.
The National Transportation Safety Board summarized its interviews with the 55-year-old engineer and the 48-year-old conductor Thursday:
The conductor was in training and familiarizing himself with the new route when he was in the locomotive with the engineer.
The conductor said there was minimal conversation and marked the first time the two men worked together.
The two were interviewed by investigators last week after suffering serious injuries in the December 18th wreck.
Three people were killed and dozens were injured on the inaugural run of the Tacoma to Portland train route.