SMETHPORT – The engineer of the Norfolk Southern train that
derailed near Gardeau last June has opted to stand trial rather
than enter a plea to charges in the case.

On Thursday in McKean County Court, neither Michael Seifert, 46,
of Buffalo, N.Y., nor his attorney, Paul Malizia of Emporium, were
present. However, District Attorney John Pavlock said he had spoken
to Malizia.

“It is my understanding the case is for trial,” Pavlock
said.

Seifert is charged with causing a catastrophe, risking a
catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person. He remains
free on $20,000 bail.

Seifert was operating the southbound train June 30, 2006, when
it derailed after speeding down from the crest of Keating Summit at
70 mph. The resulting 31-car pile-up caused 42,000 gallons of lye
to leak into the ground and Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek.

The railroad was fined $8.89 million for violations of the
state’s Clean Stream Laws and Solid Waste Management and Hazardous
Sites Cleanup acts.

Seifert was fired from Norfolk Southern after the
derailment.