No ‘Red Flags' in History of Engineer in Hoboken Train Crash: Sources

The engineer aboard the NJ Transit train that plowed through walls at the century-old Hoboken Terminal Thursday morning has no infractions, medical episodes or criminal history, sources familiar with situation told NBC 4 New York.

Three sources said that according to a preliminary review, engineer Tommy Gallagher had no "red flags" in his history prior to the crash that killed one woman and injured 108 others.

Preliminary reports suggest the crash was either accidental or caused by operator error, law enforcement officials said. They stressed that it is early in the investigation. 

The National Transportation Safety Board has been called in to conduct an inquiry into the crash.

Gallagher was seriously injured in the crash but was released from the hospital. He has been cooperating with authorities, according to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. 

NTSB Vice Chairwoman T. Bella Dinh-Zarr said investigators will be interviewing him. 

Gallagher's father told NBC 4 New York he wasn't sure about the condition of his son until after he saw a breaking news banner on TV telling him that the train's operator had survived.

"We're very upset with this whole matter," the man said.

The engineer's father said that the man had been with NJ Transit since he was 19 years old and had also served as a station master, a part-time track worker, and accident investigator. He said his son is a dedicated worker who doesn't call in sick.

Editors note: This story has been updated to say Tommy Gallagher has been working for NJ Transit since he was 19 years old.

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