consider: if this had been a minimum visibility takeoff ( I don't know comair's ops specs, but lets say 1/4 mile) the crew probably would have looked at the compass/dg etc. might even have had the localizer for 22 up.
If the takeoff had been done in full night, even in good visibility, the crew might have checked the compass.
But here the crew was above basic VFR with things brightening up minute by minute (though still dark).
So because it was above basic VFR (?) but still dark (?) they didn't need to check they were taking off from the correct runway i.e. the compass, hdg bug and aircraft lined up on the DIRECTION they were expecting to take off in? And anyway if the viz was at minima or it was at night the crew MIGHT have checked the compass? Mmmmmmmmh!
Seems like poor training, poor SOP's and very poor airmanship!
Sorry guys but I think they just screwed up and whilst it would have been nice if the ATCO had noticed and done something/anything it is certainly not his responsibility. The Captain is in command.