Railroad Employee’s Family Sues
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The family of a railroad employee killed in an explosive train crash Feb. 1 filed a $20-million wrongful death lawsuit Monday against the railroad company, brake manufacturers and chemical companies that produced the materials being transported on board.
Kevin Williams, a former San Fernando High School and USC football and track star, was working as a brakeman when a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train carrying highly flammable chemicals plunged off the tracks of a dangerous downgrade in Cajon Pass, killing him and the conductor.
The suit was filed by Kevin’s brother, Alvin Williams, administrator of his estate. It alleges that the railroad line included a car with faulty brakes in the freight train. The suit also alleges negligence in the manufacture of the brakes and improper transportation of hazardous chemicals.
Railroad executives declined to comment.
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