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Greetings all- haven't been in the Forum for a long time; what prompted me to check in was the terrible situation with METRA vs the Box Truck yesterday. I know our friend Mr. Norman resides there. Gilbert- did you see any of this thing? Sorry to read that there was a fatality on the Train. She was riding in the Cab Car leading.
Hope all the Forum members are well.
RR Bob
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Here is twelve minutes of video taken at the collision scene:
As can clearly be seen, there is damage to the head end. So it would appear that the initial impact occurred there.
The report states that the vehicle hit was a "semi", however, a close look at such shows that is a light duty "straight" truck used by furniture and appliance delivery services.
Even though BNSF 1242 is scheduled to stop at Clarendon Hills, I have now learned it was, owing to an earlier delayed train, operating nonstop (Express in METRAese) from Downers Grove, therefore it hit the vehicle at something close to track speed of 70mph on Track 1. Not helping the cause is that there is a left hand SE to E curve, as well as traveling into a rising sun that impaired the Engineer's line of sight.
But I had best not "speculate" further. The NTSB is on the scene - and they are "the best in the business".
Finally, adding to the situation, presently that X-ing is being resurfaced; at present there are some severe bumps on either side of such that even seem to have some of our "aggressive" drivers around here, gender notwithstanding, slowing way down. I take those bumps at not more than 5mph - which has cost me a "horn or two".
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Observing the scene; the six car set remains on Track 1; #210 is still idling with HEP off
The vehicle hit is an 18' Box van of the type used by furniture and appliance delivery companies.
Cops from two agencies, METRA and Clarendon Hills are quite visible.
Here comes an Eastbound METRA on 3 Track; did not stop..
Lead car is 8473 damage to head is visible. Cannot observe the damage to Engineer side where most of the impact occurred and likely where the fatality occurred as well.
Time to wave at Chopper (whoever) and get on with my walk. Left my eyes at home so cannot report which news outlet such is from.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Local NBC News reports "back to normal" Friday. I'll be taking my walk starting within the 5AM hour tomorrow so "we shall see".
The victim has been identified; a grandmother who boarded at Downers Grove Main Street.
A friend told me she was listening to a report today that noted this was the first fatality on the line since the 1947 incident occurring at Naperville. Resulting from that was the 79mph passenger train speed limit and the CBQ bi level cars that were "built like brick (out) houses".
Let's all wait for the NTSB "prelim" expected within thirty days.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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From the accident scene-530A--
As of this time, both the equipment and the box truck wreckage have been removed, however the Prospect Ave X-ing remains closed to traffic, but the pedestrian walkway is open. Two police agencies, Clarendon Hills and METRA remain on scene.
I just observed an EB (inbound) METRA Proceed on 2 Track at restricted speed.
Apparently, trains will stop today as the police tape has been removed from the platforms. 1 Track is presently lined (High Green) for a train to proceed and presumably stop. Here it comes now and has stopped.
Oh, and the "flying circus" noted yesterday has found "new barns to storm" today.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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At the scene; 530A--
Prospect Ave X-ing is now open, and there is no police presence.
There is still yellow tape around the area where truck remains were located. Only wreckage remaining is the X'ing signal that got "taken out".
Of interest is that the bumps in the resurfacing have been filled in. I will wonder if this had been done when the project was started would have this whole incident been avoided.
But who am I to say; I only live here as I have for the past forty three years.
Oh. And I just paid my Real Estate Taxes yesterday.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I just learned an interesting development. Apparently, the victim's Son in Law (her daughter's husband) is a personal injury attorney.
I asked my source "you think he knows what the NTSB is? "Of course".
Just as well I paid my Taxes in full yesterday. The Village is going to need them.
George Harris Member # 2077
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: I just learned an interesting development. Apparently, the victim's Son in Law (her daughter's husband) is a personal injury attorney.
I asked my source "you think he knows what the NTSB is? "Of course".
Just as well I paid my Taxes in full yesterday. The Village is going to need them.
Maybe he should go after the driver of the truck? Not likely, as no "deep pockets" there. The NTSB has always (I guess it still does) have a statement in their reports that they cannot be used in any legal proceedings. The reality is that you do not need to, just use them as a roadmap to go to and reference their sources as if you discovered them yourself.
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