So, then I am not imagining things? Is it actually true that all the news media fails to see a question as to what exploded? That is simply unbelievable. They always talk about hazardous materials on trains. I can only conlcude that they were told not to ask the question.
But let me ask the experts here: Other than fuels in tank cars that can explode in a fire, what types of actual high explosive products are commonly shipped on freight trains?
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The car that exploded was carrying Sodium Chlorate, it was not a tank car, as no tank car was ruptured or damaged. Sodium Chlorate is a powder and was being transported in a covered hopper.
As per NTSB
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That explains the explosion material, and from what I read about sodium chlorate, the fire caused it to explode, possibly in combination with other materials in the pileup.
Right, Bucyrus, CSX people explained it is not listed as a hazardous material.
Bucyrus................. They always talk about hazardous materials on trains. I can only conclude that they were told not to ask the question. ...............
Thanks to Chris / CopCarSS for my avatar.
Murphy SidingAsked by who? The FBI? CIA? IRS? KGB? NRA? MTV? CREEP? ASPCA? Grassy Knollers? Come on- if you're going to start a conspiracy theory out of nothing, at least do your homework and make it sound halfway plausible.
No, I just think that the question about the cause of the explosion never occurred to the news media. They just assume that when trains wreck, it makes a big explosion. You seem to spot a lot of conspiracy theories lately.
bucyrus I can only conlcude that they were told not to ask the question.
Murphy SidingIn a world filled with media wanna-bes, the internets and instant, world-wide fame at your fingertips, you suggest that the media was told not to ask the question, and *they* obeyed?
I would be surprised if somebody told them what not to say, and more surprised if they complied, but I only offer it to emphasize how incredibly unlikely it seems to ignore the explosion. It would be a little like reporting that a bunch of people drowned on the maiden voyage of the Titanic without mentioning that it sunk. But, as I say, I think the explosion just went over their heads.
Hey. Things just explode for no reason, you know. In Germany some people have been injured by exploding ticket vending machines.
(The perps tape up all of the openings, fill it with gas and explode it in order to get the money. -- Sometimes they do not explode right away and people can get hurt when they try to use it.)
Bucyrus Murphy SidingIn a world filled with media wanna-bes, the internets and instant, world-wide fame at your fingertips, you suggest that the media was told not to ask the question, and *they* obeyed? I would be surprised if somebody told them what not to say, and more surprised if they complied, but I only offer it to emphasize how incredibly unlikely it seems to ignore the explosion. It would be a little like reporting that a bunch of people drowned on the maiden voyage of the Titanic without mentioning that it sunk. But, as I say, I think the explosion just went over their heads.
The media...so called journalists...are not trained, are not curious, are not too bright to put it bluntly, today. It is primped up as a glamorous business to meet different people and do different things, get your name and picture in front of the public while you get paid minimum wage and limited to your shift only. There are exceptions at networks and in largest of cities, but for the most part they aren't hired tor much more than their looks and egos.
Judging from the video the truck driver is very lucky to be alive. His CDL is probably not on his mind right now.. Before we jump on him though it would be nice to know if all the warning lights and signals were working. I've come across railroad crossing signals that were defective. In one instance the lights would start flashing only a couple of seconds before the train came through... maybe that's the case here.
How is the train crew doing?
UlrichBefore we jump on him though it would be nice to know if all the warning lights and signals were working. I've come across railroad crossing signals that were defective. In one instance the lights would start flashing only a couple of seconds before the train came through... maybe that's the case here.
It would be interesting to see how the crossing is set up. The video makes it look like the truck popped right out of the forest. Certainly the driver has to be at fault, but it might not have required much a lapse. A crossing like that might not have much warning other than the train horn. And that can be nullified by loud music in ear phones.
Previously and elsewhere it has been stated that the crossing was a private crossing with only crossbucks; that the truck driver did not have a good record, not updated log, was on his cell, and a few other things, and it was questioned why he was there to use that crossing to begin with; the speed limit for the train is 50 and was reported doing 49 with horn and bells and ditch lights all working and working properly. And yes, the video seem to show the truck being hit and spun back into the train. The railroad and the train crew seem to be in the clear if all about the setting and the driver are true.
UlrichBefore we jump on him though it would be nice to know if all the warning lights and signals were working.
By all indications, there were not gates or bells, this being essentially a private crossing. The engineer was blowing the horn, according to reports I've seen. In fact, I'm not sure there are any signs. I looked at the crossing inventory, and I think I have the right one, listed "Private Crossing" and in milepost order that show exactly that, if I interpret it correctly.
The crossing is here: N 39.31107 W 76.52029
Note, too, that this is something of a blind crossing for both trains headed south/west and for vehicles coming out of the facility. As it's been established that the driver was texting, odds are he didn't hear the train.
Two tracks, apparently well maintained, carrying a train bound from Selkirk (NY) to Atlanta, one might assume that drivers using this crossing would be used to using due caution since the trains apparently come through at 50.
Edit - just looked again at the video of the collision itself. Didn't see any indication of any sort of signs.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Driver may have been at fault. Texting while driving is definitely not good. Some carriers correspond with their drivers via texting...and penalize drivers for not responding promptly. It becomes problematic for drivers. They are dealing with traffic and customer demands and on top of that they need to respond to their dispatchers in a timely manner. Hopefully the investigation looks beyond the driver to include the carrier and perhaps the carrier's customers as well. I wouldn't excuse the driver. But sometimes there's more to it than meets the eye...maybe he was trying to make good on a 100 mph dispatch. Drivers routinely put in 100 hours plus per week...and most don't do it for the love of driving.
Are railroads required to make public there manesfests of Hazmat Cargo? I remember some sort of law.
The NTSB briefing yesterday was interesting. The grade crossing was thought to be a private crossing, but there was a DOT number on the crossbucks - They are still not sure about that. From the on-board camera in the train, the driver of the roll-off truck started across the crossing 3 seconds before the impact. Smoke and then a fire ensued after the impact, and 5 minutes & 27 seconds later the 'explosion' happened from one of 3 loaded cars of sodium chlorate.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Philadelphia Sub MP 87.40 DOT# 140833J
PRVATE CROSSING - Crossbucks only (both sides)
Train does not have to whistle for crossing, no whistle posts required.
At least one other truck - train this location, 8-5-88 no injuries or fatals $20000 damage
IMHO - Truck driver and industry that driveway serves will bear all responsibility and costs. Claiming they didn't know won't fly here.
IF Industry has no valid contract agreement for use of crossing with CSX (By deed covenant, contract or easement), BYE-BYE- Crossing! (find another way out to the rest of the road system! Another reason for the neighbors to hate you!!!)
JB: Private crossings, public crossings, road overpasses/underpasses, footpaths (legal), rr company use x-ings all have DOT #'s assigned to them. DOT record is clear, this is a PRIVATE X-ing.
mudchickenPRVATE CROSSING - Crossbucks only (both sides)
You can see them on Google street view...
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Newspaper link: Driver was owner, company safety record in bottom 10%, running loads not secured this one so far unknown,using private crossing was not supposed to use, goes on and on.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-alban-waste-20130530,0,668050,full.story
Maybe it is time to really crack down on these operators that flaunt the regulations ?
UlrichDriver may have been at fault. Texting while driving is definitely not good. Some carriers correspond with their drivers via texting...and penalize drivers for not responding promptly. It becomes problematic for drivers.
The driver was also the owner of the company.
Go figure!
Here is a link to the carrier's safety record. I'm in the biz also, and see far worse than that on a daily basis.
http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Data/carrier.aspx?enc=dOZHWfMcadhwluu+1qdwWw==
It doesn't take much to get an unsafe driving violation...have a look at his.
For some reason the link gives problems. You can go to www.safersys.org and type in Albans Waste to review their safety record.
We ALWAYS blow long and loud for Dump road. There are five crossings east of Bay View, before Rossville, which have heavy industrial traffic. Only one has gates and lights (Todd Lane), but we are expected to blow for all of them. I've seen far too many vehicles take big chances at all five crossings. One would think that "professional drivers" would be less apt to take a chance at a grade crossing. This certainly does not seem to be the case. It's not as though the drivers are unfamiliar with the tracks being there. The driver, in this accident, was on his way out of the facility. He had to cross the same tracks coming in. They were there, trust me!
BroadwayLion UlrichDriver may have been at fault. Texting while driving is definitely not good. Some carriers correspond with their drivers via texting...and penalize drivers for not responding promptly. It becomes problematic for drivers. The driver was also the owner of the company. Go figure!
Well you know what they say, the boss may not always be right but he's always the boss!
But for how long after this remains to be seen...
rfpjohn The driver, in this accident, was on his way out of the facility. He had to cross the same tracks coming in. They were there, trust me!
The driver, in this accident, was on his way out of the facility. He had to cross the same tracks coming in. They were there, trust me!
But the train wasn't.
ULRICH: Good point. Perhaps he assumed the tracks were there for aesthetics. I guess NTSB should require an educational video ( in multiple languages) to be available at all grade crossings, explaining what could be happening on those mysterious bands of steel. Hopefully, while viewing said video, the drivers do not park upon the tracks in question. Of course, PTC systems could be structured to ensure that all rail traffic stands still until drivers acknowledge understanding of the instructive video. At such time, we will all put on our yellow vests, release three step, declare our exact position and that we are in the clear and do the safety dance, basking in the knowledge that no harm can befall us!
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