High Speed Train Wreck - China

[blue streak 1]

China now recalling both type of trains involved in crash with a major reduction in scheduled trains.

http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/beijing-shanghai-hs-services-cut-as-train-recall-starts-

 

 

 

[BaltACD]

I find it hard to believe that in the event of 'signal malfunction' such as the lightning strike that they had not designed in setting adjacent signals to stop....this has been a feature of automatic signal system since the 2nd day after the first one was installed.  A GLAREING design flaw.

blue streak 1

An IRJ article citing a signal design failure??

http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/signalling-flaws-cited-as-cause-of-chinese-rail-crash-1275.html

[schlimm]

Reading that article and a link to People's Daily shows considerable honesty in reporting and that the comments from TT and greyhounds to be wishful thinking.

[blue streak 1]

An IRJ article citing a signal design failure??

http://www.railjournal.com/newsflash/signalling-flaws-cited-as-cause-of-chinese-rail-crash-1275.html

[tomikawaTT]

greyhounds

I hope casualties were minimal and minor, but I would think China will restrict reporting if it's anything really bad.

Anybody waiting for the equivalent of a FRA report from the Chinese government would be as likely to find fur and feathers on fish.  And the official propaganda ministry will prosecute any media type who speculates on causes.  Even an official casualty count is likely to be classified `Drop dead before discussng.'

Chuck

[blue streak 1]

Passenger count on board no 1 train a 16 car emu [ cra1b series ]. A report states train no 1 had started moving according to reports.  No 2 train a 16 car emu [crh2e series] with 558 passengers. No crew count on either train listed yet. Some indication that preliminary examination is looking at a possible cause:  " why their version of PTC did not stop second train ".  Pure speculation  ---  maybe system turned off???

Canadian take on crash.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/bombardier-could-see-fallout-from-deadly-crash/article2108607/

[blue streak 1]

Latest count 43 dead 200+ injured. 

Axe is already falling as 3 officials are fired. No wait for determination of cause.

http://news.yahoo.com/toddler-found-alive-rubble-china-train-crash-121137102.html

 

[schlimm]

Perhaps the lightning fried the signal system? 

[blue streak 1]

BaltACD

All of which brings up the question....why was the 2nd train traveling faster than a restricted speed with a stopped train ahead?

makes one wonder??

1.  Did lightning strike cause a false clear?

2.  design flaw in signaling system?

3. Second train driver not believing signals?

4. regenerative braking and/or regular braking on second train fried by emp of lightning strike?

5. will there be a cover up?

[BaltACD]

All of which brings up the question....why was the 2nd train traveling faster than a restricted speed with a stopped train ahead?

[blue streak 1]

This is a "D" train usually not more than 95 mph. Count now up to 16 dead and 89 injured.

http://news.yahoo.com/chinese-state-media-16-dead-train-accident-174630858.html

[schlimm]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-as-china-train-crash,0,6683950.story

These were not the true HSR trains, but older 1st generation equipment that has a maximum speed of 122 mph, but generally only goes 95-100 mph on that trackage.

[schlimm]

Not good news. Two train collision, with at least 11 dead:

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/07/23/world/asia/international-us-china-train.html?_r=1&hp

[greyhounds]

I hope casualties were minimal and minor, but I would think China will restrict reporting if it's anything really bad.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-chinatrain-accidenl3e7in06t-20110723,0,1499268.story