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NTSB releases preliminary report on BNSF Panhandle collision

7/15/2016

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Picture
 Written by  Mischa Wanek-Libman, Engineering Editor RailwayAge
One of the trains involved in the June 28 head-on collision between two BNSF intermodal trains outside of Panhandle, Texas passed a red signal before the accident.

This comes from the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) preliminary report of the incident, which was published July 13.

The report reads, "The signal system was lined to route the westbound train into the Panhandle control point siding at milepost 526.1 while holding the eastbound train on the main track before the east end of the siding.

"Preliminary review of signal event recorder data and tests of the signal system indicate the last signal the eastbound train passed before the collision was a stop (red) signal. The previous signal the eastbound train passed was an approach (yellow) signal.

"A preliminary review of locomotive event recorder data revealed that the eastbound train was traveling about 62 mph when it went by the approach signal at the west end of the Panhandle siding and about 65 mph when it went by the stop signal at the east end of the Panhandle siding.

"Investigators completed sight distance tests of the signal system for the operation of both trains into the collision point, and the results are being analyzed. Investigators also shipped event and video recorders to the NTSB recorders laboratory in Washington, D.C., for further analysis."

Weather does not appear to be a factor as it was clear and 74 degrees at the time of the accident. The collision caused the derailment of the locomotives and several cars from both trains and a significant fire occurred. Three crew members died in the accident—the engineer and conductor on the eastbound train and the conductor on the westbound train. The engineer of the westbound train jumped from the train before impact and survived with injuries.

Train movements in the area of the accident are governed by signal indications of a traffic control system. A positive train control system is scheduled to be implemented by the BNSF in this area by the end of 2016. The BNSF estimated damages of $16 million.

​NTSB said the investigation is ongoing and it will supplement or correct information during the course of its investigation.  Full report HERE. 

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BNSF crude train derails in N.D.; senators call on Foxx to issue emergency order

5/9/2015

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PictureFoxx
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are on the scene today of a BNSF Railway Co. crude-oil train that derailed and caught fire yesterday morning in Heimdal, N.D.

The BNSF train consisted of 109 total cars, 107 of which were loaded with crude oil. Two buffer cars were loaded with sand. Six of the crude oil cars derailed at about 7:30 a.m., resulting in a fire and the town's evacuation. All other cars were pulled away from the scene to a safe distance. No injuries were reported, according to a statement issued by BNSF. 

The tank cars involved in the incident were the unjacketed CPC-1232 models, which are among the tank-car models slated for retrofits or phasing out under new federal rules governing the safety of crude-by-rail transportation.

The FRA deployed a 10-person investigation team to the site. FRA Acting Administrator Sarah Feinberg said the incident "is yet another reminder of why we issued a significant, comprehensive rule aimed at improving the safe transport of high hazard flammable liquids."
 
"The FRA will continue to look at all options available to us to improve safety and mitigate risks," Feinberg said in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, eight U.S. senators yesterday sent a letter urging U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to immediately enact stronger disclosure requirements regarding shipments of Bakken crude oil. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new regulations last week that included requiring railroads to share information on the shipment of crude oil with emergency responders. 

"We call upon you to issue an emergency order that improves the process for providing detailed information on crude-by-rail movements and volumes to first responders, shifts the onus for information sharing onto the railroads and not communities, and allows for the continued public availability of broader crude-by-rail data on movements and routes,” the senators wrote.

"The final rule constitutes a setback on disclosure requirements that could hamper our first responders and negatively impact the safety of our communities. We urge you to promptly address these shortfalls, and look forward to your response,” the senators continued.

The letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

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Amtrak train, truck collide in North Carolina; several hurt.

3/9/2015

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PictureIn this frame grab from video provided by WTVD-11, authorities respond to a collision between an Amtrak passenger train and a truck, Monday, March 9, 2015, in Halifax County, N.C. According to Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. (AP Photo/WTVD-11)
Mar 9, 2:46 PM (ET)

HALIFAX, N.C. (AP) — An Amtrak train hit a tractor-trailer that stalled on railroad tracks in North Carolina, toppling the engine onto its side and injuring several people, officials said Monday.

Halifax County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Bruce Temple said the accident happened around noon in the town of Halifax.

The first two cars of the train derailed after the collision, Temple said. The North Carolina Department of Transportation said in a news release that the other car that derailed was a baggage car.

Several people were hurt, though the transportation agency said the injuries were minor. The agency also said no deaths were reported.

It was not immediately clear how many people may have been hurt.

Sheriff's Major Scott Hall said from the crash scene that some passengers were taken to a local hospital by ambulance, but others were able to climb aboard a shuttle bus to be taken for examination.

The Amtrak train was the Carolinian, which runs between Charlotte, North Carolina, and New York each day. It was headed north to New York City at the time of the crash.



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  • Home
    • Local 506 Info >
      • Officer Contacts
      • Update Contact Information
    • The Reports Page
    • Member Toolbox
    • Safety Committee >
      • Safety Concerns & Suggenstions Form
    • UTUIA
  • Crew Consist
  • Claims
    • Claims Information
    • 10th Street off Assigned Limits Violation
    • Assigned Jobs Performing Extra Road Service
    • Board Runaround
    • Called Off Road To Cover Yard When Extra Board is Exhausted (RULE 32K)
    • Claims While Taking Rules Exam
    • Dropped Turns
    • Dogcatch Claims >
      • Automatic Release (Rule 67)
      • Multiple Dogcatch (Rule 31)
    • EOT Handling
    • Extra Dodger Assignment Change
    • Failure to Furlough after 48 Hours
    • HI (Held In) Status
    • Meal on Non-Interdivisional Service (Dogcatching, etc)
    • Road Crews Driving Company Vehicles >
      • Dodger Crews Driving Company Vehicles
    • Road Crew Hostling Power
    • Senior Applicant Extra Board Seniority Restriction
    • Senior Available Applicant to Conductor Extra Board When Vacancies are Filled by Other Means
    • Single Day Requests
    • Step-Ups
    • Temporary Vacancy Not Allowed- Assigned Freight
    • Tied-Up at Intermediate Point
    • Train Exchange
  • New Hire Information
    • New Hire Home Page & Important Info
    • Membership Application
  • Furlough Information
  • News Blog
  • Agreements & Attendance Policy
    • Salina Hub Agreement
    • Expanded Salina hub
    • 1992 CREW CONSIST MODIFICATION
    • AWTS Agreement
    • Vacation Agreement
    • Zone 100 Modification Agreement
  • Union Insurance
    • Disability Insurance Policies
    • DIPP Insurance >
      • Schedule of maximum benefits
      • DIPP summary plan description
      • DIPP Summary of Material Modifications
      • DIPP Program Application
      • DIPP Claim Form
  • Health and Welfare
  • Maps & Yard Procedures
    • Fairfax Job Aid
  • Quick Reference Guides, "How To's", and Common Q&A
    • Vacation Bid Process
  • UTU Political Action and Resources
  • Excess Hours of Service Report
  • Helpful Links