Was that the wreck where one explosion nearly put half a tank car into orbit? I've seen it a couple of times on a Discovery Channel documentary on BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Explosive Vapor Explosions.) The location wasn't made clear, but the land was pancake flat and there was one large structure adjacent to the fire and explosions.
Not my idea of a fun thing to have to deal with!
Chuck
Its hard to find stuff on the internet from back in 1983, bu I came across this:
AROUND THE NATION; Train With Toxic Liquids Derails and Explodes
A 50- car freight train carrying highly flammable liquids derailed today, setting off explosions and a fire that engulfed at least 11 cars, officials said.
The derailment occurred just before 4 P.M. west of Newman, off Illinois Route 36, in east-central Illinois.
No injuries were reported, but the authorities evacuated residents from a rural area nearby, an Illinois State Police spokesman said.
About 10 P.M., a car containing isobutane, a highly flammable petroleum product, exploded from the intense heat. Earlier, cars containing alcohol, liquid plastic and isobutane exploded, causing flames to spread to nearby cars.
At least one of the cars contained sulfuric acid, which is toxic, and officials expressed some fears that if that car ingnited, it could cause toxic fumes to spread throughout the area.
The derailment occurred near a coal facility with a storage tank of ammonia. The authorities expressed concern that the ammonia could also be ignited, which could also spread toxic fumes.
I think next weekend
And while on the topic of Murdock:
There was a big coal mine near there many years ago, the MP built a branch dow to serve it. The B&O main (where the wreck happened) ran next to the actual mine. This picture was taken back in the 70's showing the MP loading dock.
Im still looking for pics of the explosions.
ill be looking for one
(My 200th post!!!!)
I think the big exposive wreck at Murdock, IL will be on TV on the SpikeTV show 'Train Wrecks'.
Your opion on the show?
EDIT: yeah its on there, they only show the last 2 explosions( the neon green fire engine in the forground of the opening shot is from Newman!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that makes me happy!)
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