§ 3454. Investigation of accidents; hearing; determination; publicity

The Board shall inquire into the cause of every accident on a railroad resulting in loss of life and, in its judgment, into any accident, collision, or derailment of trains not so resulting. When, in its judgment, a public investigation is necessary in the interests of public safety, it shall fix a time and place of holding the same and shall summon the person or corporation operating such railroad, the parties known to have been injured in the accident, and, if known, a representative or friend of a person killed thereby, to appear and give evidence regarding the cause of such accident. The Board shall also notify the State's Attorney of the county in which the accident occurred, who shall investigate the cause of the accident, produce witnesses who can give evidence in regard to the same, and attend and represent the State at such hearing. All parties summoned, and other persons interested, may appear and be made parties thereto, may produce witnesses or other evidence, and may be represented by counsel. On notice from the Board, the person or corporation operating the railroad shall produce all railroad employees who can give pertinent evidence in regard to the cause of the accident, free of expense to the State. The Board shall make public its determination in regard to the cause of the accident so investigated and cause a permanent record thereof to be made. (Amended 1959, No. 329 (Adj. Sess.), § 39(b), eff. March 1, 1961; 2017, No. 132 (Adj. Sess.), § 4.)