This isn't strictly about Amtrak, but it does involve an Amtrak train (91, Silver Star).
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070613/BREAKING/70613016
The train did not 'hit' the SUV. The SUV driver positioned it in front of the train, committed suicide and thereby improved the breed.
Anyone dumb enough to drive around a lowered gate isn't involved in an accident. They have deliberately placed themselves in harm's way - and sometimes harm comes along and has its way.
My sympathy goes out to the train crew and the emergency responders who had to pick up the pieces.
Chuck
There's been another one
http://www.theledger.com/article/20070717/NEWS/707170393/1004
According to the report "The driver ignored flashing lights at a railroad crossing on Wabash Avenue and even maneuvered past a stopped car to get around a cross-arm that was in the down position, according to eyewitnesses and a surveillance videotape from a camera at the nearby Publix Super Markets complex."
Unbelievable.
AmtrakRider wrote: There's been another one http://www.theledger.com/article/20070717/NEWS/707170393/1004 According to the report "The driver ignored flashing lights at a railroad crossing on Wabash Avenue and even maneuvered past a stopped car to get around a cross-arm that was in the down position, according to eyewitnesses and a surveillance videotape from a camera at the nearby Publix Super Markets complex."Unbelievable.
Reading all the way down to the bottom of the news article, I got a picture of somebody who had stalled out on the climb to responsible adulthood, and may have been playing with several cards short of a deck. My sympathy goes out to the three innocent victims, their families and friends.
I think there is a few words to describe people that think they can beat a train:
STUPID, MAYBE DRUNK, IN A HURRY, SUICIDAL, THINKS THEY CAN BEAT A TRAIN (SEE STUPID), AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS THAT I FORGOT!!!
To all people that think they can beat a train:
YOU CAN'T BEAT A SPEEDING LOCOMOTIVE!!!
I just had to blow off some steam because most of the time it is the railroad's fault and there are so many posts describing this. UGH...it makes me sick.
CPRail modeler wrote: I think there is a few words to describe people that think they can beat a train:STUPID, MAYBE DRUNK, IN A HURRY, SUICIDAL, THINKS THEY CAN BEAT A TRAIN (SEE STUPID), AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS THAT I FORGOT!!!To all people that think they can beat a train:YOU CAN'T BEAT A SPEEDING LOCOMOTIVE!!!I just had to blow off some steam because most of the time it is the railroad's fault and there are so many posts describing this. UGH...it makes me sick.
I think you meant to say it is NOT the railroad's fault, no?
Incidentally, there have been two more incidents involving Amtrak in Florida in the last two days (score: Amtrak 2, drivers 0 (both fatal,) innocent bystanders (car passengers,) 3 dead.) Apparently there is something strange in the air down there! Or don't the locals know what crossing gates are all about?
Incidentally, there have been two more incidents involving Amtrak in Florida in the last two days (score: Amtrak 2, drivers 0 (both fatal,) innocent bystanders (car passengers,) 3 dead.) Apparently there is something strange in the air down there! Or don't the locals know what crossing gates are all about?Chuck
Unfortunately the train gets damaged also, and sometimes crew and passengers are injured (all of which happened today). Also the reputation of Amtrak suffers, in that some people who were passengers say "never again". Plus Amtrak will have to pay extra to put up the derailed passengers and will have to pull the damaged engine and cars out of service for repairs. In the end it's a no-win situation.
What is really amazing to me is that these three incidents happened on a 7 mile stretch of railroad. Yesterday's crash was all over the news; I don't understand how the driver of the truck today didn't take note.
tomikawaTT wrote: CPRail modeler wrote: I think there is a few words to describe people that think they can beat a train:STUPID, MAYBE DRUNK, IN A HURRY, SUICIDAL, THINKS THEY CAN BEAT A TRAIN (SEE STUPID), AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER THINGS THAT I FORGOT!!!To all people that think they can beat a train:YOU CAN'T BEAT A SPEEDING LOCOMOTIVE!!!I just had to blow off some steam because most of the time it is the railroad's fault and there are so many posts describing this. UGH...it makes me sick.I think you meant to say it is NOT the railroad's fault, no?
Exactly!
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am pleased to announce that both #91 and #92 made it through the Tampa area today without any idiot pulling out in front of them.
By the way, one of the TV reporters here breathless reported that the Silver Star yesterday "derailed and then hit a truck". I guess he thought it chased the the poor truck down U.S. 92.
Sigh!
Tharmeni wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen:I am pleased to announce that both #91 and #92 made it through the Tampa area today without any idiot pulling out in front of them. By the way, one of the TV reporters here breathless reported that the Silver Star yesterday "derailed and then hit a truck". I guess he thought it chased the the poor truck down U.S. 92. Sigh!
I'm really glad to hear it!
And it seems "The train is always to blame" with these reporters. It wasn't a FOX news reporter by any chance?
Here is the video of the actual crash:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid464021271?bclid=463916333&bctid=1118334798
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