Federal investigators release preliminary report on Hoboken train
The National Transportation Safety Board released it preliminary report Thursday on the investigation into the Sept 29 train crash at Hoboken terminal which injured over 100 people and killed resident Fabiola de Kroon.
The report details factual information gathered by the investigators, without analysis.
The NTSB press release states that the engineer and conductor were interviewed. It also says that the investigators checked the signal and train control system and they functioned as designed.
The release states that the NTSB found that the electrical communication network of the cab car — which is necessary for the brake, signal, and propulsion control — destroyed in the accident. Minor damage occurred to the cab car’s airbrake system, which was repaired for testing. The train brakes functioned as designed during a friction brake test.
A final report by the NTSB is typically delivered up to 18 months after the incident, meaning it may be some time before residents know the cause of the accident.
A week earlier, the NTSB had released information from the train’s data recorder saying that the train had sped up from 8 m.p.h. to 21 m.p.h. before entering the train terminal, although the speed limit is 10 m.p.h. in that area. The recorder also showed that someone used the brake less than a second before the crash.
The train’s engineer has said he remembered the train going 10 m.p.h. upon entering the station, but didn’t remember the impact.
See hudsonreporter.com for updates.
Man injured in Hoboken train crash files intent to sue
Sheldon Kest, 66, of Tenafly was injured and lost part of his finger during the Hoboken terminal crash on Sept. 29. On Tuesday, he filed a notice of his intent to sue.
Kest’s lawyers announced the planned lawsuit Tuesday during a news conference in Newark.
Kest also sustained a broken nose and several lacerations, according to the Associated Press.
According to the AP, Kest said, “I’m so fortunate to be here and to hopefully, through the legal system, help prevent another senseless, deadly New Jersey Transit crash. I need to know, why did it happen? How did this happen? And who should be held accountable so it never happens again?”
Bayonne man charged with criminal sexual contact in Hoboken
Henry Perkins, 32, of Bayonne was arrested last Thursday and charged with criminal sexual contact and obstruction.
Officers Libon Schelmety and Jeff Lehbrink arrested Perkins for allegedly touching a woman inappropriately.
The media release states officers were dispatched to the area of 120 Washington St. where “the victim advised the officers on scene that a male approached her and complimented her on her looks. He then began to slide his hand on her thigh and buttocks areas, then left the area.”
He was later found a short distance away, identified, and placed under arrest.
Woman allegedly tries to withdraw $5K with fake documents
Hoboken police arrested Samantha Wedderburn, 28, of the Bronx after she allegedly attempted to use a fake ID to withdraw $5,000 from TD Bank on 14th and Hudson streets last Friday.
The Hoboken Police Department was contacted once the bank employee identified the driver’s license as fraudulent and alerted a Port Authority officer who detained Wedderburn until the HPD arrived.
Wedderburn was charged with Criminal Attempt Theft by Deception, two counts of False Government Documents, Identity Theft, Forgery, and Credit Card Theft.
Opening reception, everyday earring exhibition at EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery
EatMetal Art Jewelry Gallery, located at 720 Monroe St., Suite E511, will host the EveryDay Earring Art Exhibition opening reception Oct 21 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This is the second annual EveryDay Earring Exhibition, due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the show last summer, according to a media release.
This year the exhibition showcases the work of 16 visionary artists and over 90 pairs of earrings. The exhibition is intended to discuss the idea of EveryDay through the body adornment of an earring. It allows the audience to engage by viewing, interpreting and finding their everyday earring.
This diverse group of artists investigations makes up a cohesive show that expresses everyday wearable art.
Veterans essay contest announced
The City of Hoboken and Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced the veterans essay contest last week in a media release.
The essay topic is: Who is a veteran, past or present, you admire and why?
Fifth through eighth graders residing or attending any school in Hoboken are invited to participate. Essays must be no longer than 500 words, written in your own words, and th the student’s name, grade, school and contact information should be clearly identified on the essay.
Essay submission deadline is 12 p.m. Nov. 9, and must be typed or printed in blue or black ink. Submissions can be made via email to jbuonarota@hobokennj.gov or delivered to Hoboken City Hall, Office of Mayor Dawn Zimmer, 94 Washington St., second floor, Hoboken.
The winning student will be presenting with an official city proclamation and invited to read their essay at the annual Veterans Day ceremony.
Halloween parade Oct 31
The city of Hoboken annual Ragamuffin Parade and Costume Contest will be held on Monday, Oct. 31 at 3:45 p.m.
To participate in the parade, meet on Washington Street between 13th Street and 14th Street. Setup for line of march begins at 3:15 p.m.
The parade features local live music, floats, lots of great costumes and so much more. Wear your Halloween best! The parade will end at the Little League Field for the Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded in five age categories.
Washington Street will be closed and NJ Transit buses will follow a detour during the parade.