NTSB Reports 118 Passenger Train Collision Near Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a preliminary report on the February 22, 2026, collision between a freight train and a stationary passenger train on the Shelby Subdivision. The freight train, crewed by an engineer and conductor, was reversing at approximately 10 mph during a switching operation when it impacted the locomotive of the passenger train. A total of 127 people were directly involved, including 118 passengers and nine crew members across both trains.

What Happened and What Is the Scale of Impact?

The incident involved a freight train consisting of two locomotives and 82 rail cars striking a passenger train comprised of one locomotive and seven cars. The collision occurred on a main track while the freight train was performing a switching maneuver. The NTSB, the primary investigative body for such events in the U.S. under Chair Jennifer Homendy, has dispatched a team to the site. The preliminary report did not disclose the extent of equipment damage or if any of the 127 people involved sustained injuries.

Key Incident Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Incidents on This Network?

Comparable public data for low-speed switching collisions involving passenger trains on the Shelby Subdivision was not available at the time of publication. Nationally, however, yard and switching incidents remain a significant focus for safety regulators. According to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) data, human factor events are a primary cause of such accidents, often involving misaligned switches, failure to control equipment, or improper communication during shoving movements.

Editor’s Analysis

This incident occurs against a backdrop of intense operational pressure on U.S. freight networks, which are handling record parcel volumes that reached 23.9 billion shipments in 2025 (Source: ShipMatrix). Combined with high operating costs, including a national diesel average above $5 per gallon, the economic incentive for rapid and efficient yard operations is immense. Events like this often serve as a catalyst for re-evaluating operational safety protocols and accelerating investment in yard automation and enhanced communication systems to mitigate human error during complex, low-speed maneuvers.

FAQ

Q: How many people were on the trains during the Memphis collision?
A: The passenger train was carrying 118 passengers and 7 crew members. The freight train had 2 crew members, bringing the total number of people directly involved to 127.

Q: What was the specific cause of the collision?
A: The NTSB’s preliminary report identifies the action—a reversing freight train striking a stationary train—but a final determination of cause is pending the full investigation. The report did not specify if a signaling error, procedural mistake, or equipment failure was the root cause.

Q: Were any injuries reported in the NTSB’s preliminary findings?
A: The preliminary report from the NTSB did not disclose whether any of the 118 passengers or 9 crew members were injured. This information has not been officially confirmed and is typically released in subsequent investigation updates.