A question for any local law enforcement folks...

[jchnhtfd]

Why is it necessary to hold a train for a long time after a train vs. trespasser accident? For example, this weekend an Acela Express hit a snowmobiler, and was held two hours until the local police investigation was completed -- delayed two other trains. I've heard of delays of as much as six to ten hours, and it affects both freight and passenger service.

I can well understand some delay, if only to allow the trainmen to check for damage to the train. But why until the investigation is complete? If they need the train speed, brakes, and control settings, impound the event recorder at the terminal; if they need interviews, get them and let the trainmen get on with it.

There must be a reason...

[clinchfieldfan]

One time consuming aspect of a train/vehicle collision is the need to take measurements and photographs. If the crash is a fatality you really need to cross the T's and dot the I's. Even years later lawyers will still be circling the "carcass". I personally have never investigated a crash where the train was at fault but the "starving lawyers" still line up at the prospect of deep pockets.
Documenting the scene properly takes quite awhile. The lawyers have years to try and pick an investigation apart! The crash is never their client's fault, the usual tactic they use is the train crew's negligence or an improper investigation. Its better to take your time and do a through investigation, once evidence has been moved its hard to put it back.
I hope this helps, depending on the nature of the crash (I never use the term accident- an accident implies that it was unavoidable, crashes occur for specific reasons) the investigation will usually take several hours.

[AltonFan]

I thought someone mentioned that when a crash of this nature occurs, the crew has to be relieved and a new crew called.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AltonFan

I thought someone mentioned that when a crash of this nature occurs, the crew has to be relieved and a new crew called.

That may be up to the crew. If they can continue and want to they probally would be allowed to do so.

There was a train/car "crash" years ago down at Pine Bluff, AR. The engineer was so shaken up that they did call for another engineer. After the investigation the train departed and continued its trip. Now get this, the SAME train but with a different engineer hit another car down the line and again spend a time out for an investigation.

[dekemd]

clinchfield fan pretty much nailed it. Any incident that involves serious injury or death must be investigated thoroughly. You can't miss anything or else you leave open the possibility of millions of dollars lost in a lawsuit. Another thing to consider is location. A small town police dept. or rural county sheriff's dept may not have the manpower to devote a bunch of people to a crash. They may only have two or three people working the scene which means they have to all the measuring, photos, interviews, etc.

Derrick

[tree68]

For fatal auto accidents, New York State Police will often call in an accident investigation team that may take an hour to arrive, then it takes them time for the actual investigation. I've held roads for as long as six hours while they do their thing. That's especially true if one of their units is involved.

I have to believe that, in addition to local police, the railroad wants their people involved. The local CSX trainmaster covers a pretty good area, and could easily be an hour from the scene of the accident. If he's covering a neighboring territory, it could be longer. If they have to bring in technical specialists, say, to check the loco for damage which would prevent it's further use, that could take even longer.

[jchnhtfd]

Thanks guys. I think you've covered it.

One does wonder, though, if the Darwin award candidates in question have ever thought to tot up the overall cost of such things...

I do know about the train crew thing, by the way -- and if a crew wants to be relieved, I don't blame them a bit. Being in the front office and being utterly powerless to do anything about the inevitable curnch must be pretty horrible. Fortunately, it's never happened to me...