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I hate to be the one who keeps reporting these things, but there was a bad Metrolink accident in Burbank, CA this morning (PT). The train was running cab car forward (push mode), and several cars tipped over and jackknifed, along with the locomotive, after the train hit a "heavy duty" pickup (utility?) truck. The train derailed after striking the pickup, 'cutting' the truck in half and setting it on fire. The driver of the truck was killed and 36 passengers were injured. Here is a link, for "reliable" information from CNN. (Actually, this is pretty good compared to some of the reports): http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/01/06/train.derail/index.html
MPALMER Member # 125
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Yes, this made the front page of the LA Times today (1/7), although the accompanying article estimates the train speed at 70 mph. It was not the top newscast at 6pm on 1/6, however, because of two fast moving brushfires.
SanGabrielSub Member # 2159
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Hi everyone, I got into an arguement with a relative of mine about this and she thinks it was an "accident" but in fact it was the drivers fault, and she can't accept it so she hung up on me. Well at least I can officially say that my family doesn't have an ounce of common sense in them when it comes to idiots fouling crossings when trains approach it
San Gabriel DS out
coach34135 Member # 1979
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Metrolink going thru Orange pulled down 5 powerlines also. Apparently the train got hung up on a flying power wire, and pulled it and lots of damage. That's what I hear anyhoo.
coach34135 Member # 1979
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quote:Originally posted by SanGabrielSub: Hi everyone, I got into an arguement with a relative of mine about this and she thinks it was an "accident" but in fact it was the drivers fault, and she can't accept it so she hung up on me. Well at least I can officially say that my family doesn't have an ounce of common sense in them when it comes to idiots fouling crossings when trains approach it
San Gabriel DS out
There are people who think trains can stop for drivers being morons.
Eric Member # 674
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Sure! You just step on the brake pedal. I mean, those trains don't weigh much more than a pickup truck, right?
SanGabrielSub Member # 2159
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Hi everyone, I like the replies that I got in regards to my sibling's eneptness when it comes to railroad safety. San Gabriel Sub out
MPALMER Member # 125
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Unfortunately this kind of thing (carelss/clueless/risktaking driver cutting in front of a train) happens all too often. Not sure how you "fix" this behavior; this Burbank accident will cost a fortune (medical bills + equipment repair)
SanGabrielSub Member # 2159
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I think that the neglegent party's family should pick up the tab for the wreck and the damage that is a result of it and if the person who caused the wreck to happen Survives I think he or she should also face criminal charges.
San Gabriel Sub out
Kairho Member # 1567
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While I agree that if the "causer" of the crash should be liable (or the estate) ... in NO way should innocent family members be held responsible. That's revenge, not justice.
MPALMER Member # 125
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Some letters from readers were published in the LA Times today (1/9). One blamed the driver; one blamed the intersection, and another gave recommendations (all passenger trains should have the engine in the lead etc).
On an earlier page, there was a brief article about a bicyclist who was hit by a Blue Line Train. The bicyclist had proceeded across a crossing with four-quadrant gates. The bicyclist is in critical condition in a hospital; the Blue Line was delayed for about an hour. This cyclist is obviously not the sharpest knife in the drawer.
SanGabrielSub Member # 2159
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Everyone who wants to foul a crossing in front of a train is a dull knife. A person's ignorance is a shortcut to the Cemetary or incineration. Well at least I can say that it does thin the herd from Stupidity. San Gabriel Sub out
MPALMER Member # 125
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What I don't understand is why people act so helpless?
One of the big "roadblocks" to getting the Pasadena line built was the grade crossings...there was the concern that they were dangerous and that people would get hit. Well yeah, if the people trespass...
Parents instruct their kids to "not play on the freeway" and "not play in the storm drains" (I think) so they could add to that "Don't play on the tracks".
As for adults and others who should know better, that's a lot tougher; bad habits die hard (like don't speed, don't tailgate, wear seat belts, etc)
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