I have to agree here, unfortunately this incident could have been very easily avoided, had the state trooper placed a phone call and simply confirmed it was safe to go across the tracks. Even just warning the RR that they MIGHT have to slow down, give them time to stop a train IF need be, to avoid the accident from occurring. Simple solution, overlooked by an local authority, possibly because they were not knowledgeable enough of the subject, or he/she just didn't feel that it would have been an issue crossing safely, and were unfortunately incorrect on this. Did this state trooper have knowledge that he/she could call the RR and they would hold up, or at least slow down ahead of time, rail traffic nearby, before they even attempted to cross the tracks? It is a shame, that this accident occurred, and that many people got hurt, when it could, and should, have very easily been avoided. Would be more shameful though if it was due to simply not knowing these facts of a simple phone call would have avoided it. Another point, is some have said that the RR was notified about 4 minutes prior to the collision, was the Amtrak crew given the message? Yes, you would need, probably, more time to stop, but did they get the message in time to slow down? Even just slowed enough that they would not have derailed even though the collision would have still happened?
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
NC Trooper should have requested the railroad hold traffic for the safe passage of the load. Railroads honor such requests from local authorities. This incident has been caused by Trooper failing to protect the movement of the oversized load across the tracks.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
The news item cited by Blue Streak says a Highway Patrol officer claims there was about 4 minutes' notice before the collision.
The Auto Train is starting late from both endpoints tonight, but it is running. Southbound Auto Train 53 left Lorton a little before 9 p.m. Presumably, the track will be open when that train gets to Halifax (normally about 3-1/2 hours, but hard to predict a time under the circumstances).
Tom
One of the first comments on a local article on this was "pipelines are safer than trains".
Additional report that says NC state patrol was escorting the load.
http://wtvr.com/2015/03/09/watch-terrifying-moment-when-amtrak-train-collides-into-tractor-trailer/
The reference to 15 minutes came from a bystander. We don't know whether this is a wild estimate or a reliable figure. I also heard 30 minutes. Maybe it was only five. Maybe the call had been placed to CSX, but not enough time to get the message to the train. This possible delay in reporting the problem might be an important factor in the coming investigation. Or it might not be relevant at all. We don't know at this point, so we ought to reserve judgment on that. It will surely come out in the investigation.
The following link at about :05 shows a multi axel carrier that is often used for transporting manufactured homes. One report read says that whole rig was 164' in length. If so quite a rig.
http://news.yahoo.com/amtrak-train-truck-collide-north-carolina-several-hurt-180638852.html
Google street view.
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.3307096,-77.5937943,62m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e4
Several thoughts.
1. The distance from the tracks to the intersection is only about 40 feet. Intersections of this nature should be rebuilt further from RR tracks. Any TT or even 2 cars cannot clear. Since this a NC DOT road and train they should be able to fix this within a 1 - 3 year period.
2. There are traffic lights at the intersection but not on the approach side.
3. Load appears to be a manufactured home both longer and wider than a normal tractor trailer. May have also been taller than normal 13'6" ?
4. In reference to #3 one report states load was trying to turn left but was having problems, Maybe trying to clear traffic lights or maybe went left of overhead RR signal. ?
5. Stated was trying to turn for 15 (?) minutes with help of state trooper. That may be why the cell phone video is available.
6. If #5 why didn't trooper follow procedure and immediately notify CSX ?
7. 40 injured
8. Just what Amtrak doesn't need another loco down for months.
9. Heritage baggage car may have runits last revenue mile ?
If this happened at Halifax, it is on CSX's primary route between the NE and FL. There is no readily available way around it, although the old SAL line would have filled that role if it still existed. This will be a major disruption of all freight and passenger service on that line.
Happened in north carolina. Will post more news but this first one has a cell phone video of the crash.
http://abc11.com/news/amtrak-train-slams-into-truck-in-halifax/550657/
http://www.wral.com/train-accident-reported-in-halifax-county/14502409/
https://twitter.com/6abc/status/574992895809306626
http://6abc.com/news/philadelphia-bound-amtrak-train-derails-in-nc/550717/
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