FRA’s Accident Analysis Branch continuously monitors the occurrence of train accidents and incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. FRA staff are dispatched to the scene of serious train accidents to determine their cause or whether a formal investigation is warranted, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. Section 20902.

The decision to assign a railroad accident for investigation generally follows a railroad’s telephonic notification directly to FRA or to the National Response Center, the primary federal entity to which all major transportation accidents are reported. 

FRA investigates accidents based on Class A and Class B criteria, which includes accidents involving fatalities, significant hazardous material releases, or major derailments. Those investigations are conducted to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.

For more information on reporting and the criteria that accidents generally need to meet for FRA investigation, click here.

Collaborative Investigation Reporting Environment 

FRA’s Collaborative Investigation Reporting Environment (iCARE) is an MS SharePoint portal stakeholders and FRA can use to collaborate and share information related to identified FRA accident investigations. 

The Infrastructure Investments and Job Act directed FRA to create a standard process for gathering information and, when appropriate, to consult with stakeholders about an accident under investigation.

The iCARE portal provides stakeholders a standard methodology for submissions of documentation, information, evidence, and subject-matter expert analysis related to certain FRA accident investigations. The iCARE portal also provides FRA with a standard methodology for sharing information with stakeholders during an accident investigation. 

After submission, all non-confidential records uploaded will be shared with the FRA investigation team and approved stakeholders for review and analysis. When appropriate, FRA will share records with stakeholders using the iCARE portal, but Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests may still be required for full access.

To learn more, click here or email  FRAiCARE@dot.gov

FRA Accident Investigation Reports

FRA accident investigation reports can be found in the eLibrary here. Please note that due to size constraints and other considerations, attachments and exhibits associated with these reports are not posted online and are available only through a FOIA request.  

To receive FRA accident investigation reports by email, click here.