By Eric Jankiewicz
A Far Rockaway resident was among those who were killed in the Amtrak train derailment Tuesday night in Philadelphia and the engineer was identified as a resident of Forest Hills.
Justin Zemser was returning to New York City from his studies at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland, according to state Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach).
“Many in Rockaway, including my staff member Sandee Doremus, had known Justin since he was a child and knew him to be a good Rockaway neighbor,” Addabbo said. in a statement. “Justin’s commitment to serve our country is still and always will be greatly appreciated.”
Officials identified the engineer, who was at the controls of the Northeast Regional Train 188, as Brandon Bostian. The 32-year-old Amtrak employee lives in Forest Hills and survived the crash, according to authorities, which killed at least seven people and injured more than 200.
The train was traveled at a speed of at least 100 miles per house, which is twice the speed limit for that section of the track in Philadelphia, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Zemser, the 20-year-old midshipman, was on leave and on the way home when the train derailed, according to a statement from the academy. The Annapolis, Md., school notified the brigade of midshipmen, staff and faculty of his death Wednesday morning.
Zemser interned at one point for Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), according to the councilman’s office.
“Today, the Rockaway community mourns the death of Justin Zemser, a local resident and former intern in my office, who lost his life last night in the tragic Amtrak train derailment,” Ulrich said. “Justin was truly a bright, talented and patriotic young man. My deepest prayers and sympathy go out to his family and friends who are grieving during this very difficult time. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Bostian was accompanied by a lawyer when he met with police Wednesday, NY 1 reported.
Soon after the crash, photos were posted on Twitter from witnesses depicting emergency responders sorting through wrecked train cars.
Reach reporter Eric Jankiewicz by e-mail at ejank
