NTSB to investigate death of transit worker struck by D train in the Bronx
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the death of a transit worker who was struck and killed by a D train while working Thursday night in the Bronx.
The incident happened near the 161st Street station by Yankee Stadium, where contractors were working and transit employees were setting up lights in the tunnel to mark a work zone.
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According to the MTA and Transport Workers Union Local 100, construction flagger Moet McCullum was struck at about 11:30 p.m. by a Manhattan-bound D train.
McCullum was working as part of a crew responsible for flagging the area for workers and train crews. Officials say the job title of conductor also provides for the construction flagging duty.
Chris Drummond, who represents conductors with TWU Local 100, said McCullum leaves behind three children. Her twin sister also works as a transit conductor.
"She had three children. Her mother's down here. Her twin sister is down here. What we want to do is support the family," Drummond said.
TWU Local 100 President John Chiarello said the transit system has instituted a 24-hour safety stand-down, except for emergency work. The measure is standard following a workplace fatality.
"I'm a signal maintainer by trade at the MTA. I worked on the tracks. I know the flagging. It's inherently dangerous work," Chiarello said.
The MTA and the union said they will immediately review safety protocols as the official investigation continues.
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the agency's priority is the safety of both employees and customers.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of employees, the safety of our customers. We stand with the union and the investigative agencies and will be sure the root causes are found," Crichlow said.
Officials and fellow transit workers expressed condolences to McCullum's family.
"Total devastation. That's the only thing I could say. You question life and how precious it is," Chiarello said.
The previous transit worker fatality occurred in November 2023, when Hilarion Joseph, a construction flagger with about a year on the job, was struck and killed by a D train near Herald Square.
The NTSB is expected to conduct interviews and examine safety protocols, procedures, work logs and equipment as investigators work to determine what led to Thursday night's fatal incident.
After the investigation into Joseph's death, the MTA was ordered to overhaul track safety procedures.
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