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MTA to pay record $182M settlement for tragic 2015 train crash in NYC suburb that killed 6
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Driver’s family faults MTA for deadly Metro-North crash
‘She’s not a murderer’: Daughter of SUV driver in Metro-North crash
The family of the Westchester mom who sparked a massive crash when she drove her SUV in front of a packed commuter train blames the MTA for the accident, according to a new report.
Ellen Brody, 49, drove her Mercedes-Benz ML350 onto the railroad tracks in front of a commuter train in February, killing herself and five commuters.
The lawyer for Brody’s family told the Journal News that they had filed a notice of claim — and asserted the crash was not their mom’s fault.
Instead, the family blames the design of the railroad crossing on Commerce Street in Valhalla for the crash.
“This horrific accident was not the fault of Ellen Brody,” said personal injury lawyer Philip Russotti, who is based in Manhattan.
The train pushed Brody’s SUV down the tracks, and its gas tank exploded. The first car of the train was completely burned up.
It is still unclear why Brody stopped her SUV on the tracks. Investigators are considering whether she became confused or panicked.
Her daughters recently spoke out against the backlash her mom has gotten since the crash.
“All these other tragedies, it’s so hard for me to even comprehend that my mom was the reason for that,” said daughter Julia Brody. “She’s not a murderer.”



