WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, issued the following statement upon confirmation that the derailment of Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 claimed the life of Bob Gildersleeve Jr. of Elkridge and Abid Giladi of Rockville, as well as Naval Academy Midshipman 3rd Class Justin Zemser.

“Tuesday night’s derailment of Amtrak Regional Train 188 was a national tragedy. My prayers go out to the loved ones and neighbors who are coping with this tremendous loss. It will take time to learn what caused Mr. Gildersleeve, Mr. Giladi, Midshipman Zemser and five other souls to be taken from their families far too early. I have confidence that the National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting a meticulous investigation into the cause of the accident and that every feasible step is taken to prevent something similar from happening again. No family should have to endure what the Gildersleeve, Giladi, Zemser and other families are going through at this time.”

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