Shutdown Keeps NTSB From Investigating Fatal Metro Accident

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal transportation safety officials say they have decided against sending investigators to the site of a fatal welding accident in a Metro subway tunnel in Washington because of the government shutdown.

In a statement posted on its website, the National Transportation Safety Board says it was notified of the accident that killed one worker and injured two others early Sunday, but decided against sending investigators.

The NTSB says staffers are furloughed and this accident did not the meet criteria for exempting them from furlough. The agency says it can only engage in activities to address "imminent threats to the safety of human life or for the protection of property."

The NTSB says it has asked Metro to provide its investigation report for evaluation in the future.

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