(erielack) More on AMTRAK

[ed montgomery <emontgomery_@_paxway.com>]

This is a very hot day in the DC area with temperatures throughout the ar=
ea in
the 90s.  Here in Annandale it is 92 degrees.  The heat index is over 100=
=2E =

I'm wondering if this might have contributed to the derailment. Car 7 of =
the
train derailed into a wooded area and there is a major effort to extricat=
e
people from that car.  It is interesting to observe that the passenger ca=
rs
are the ones that derailed.  The mail handler cars on the end are upright=
 and
appear to be on the track.  The wreck is at the intersection of Plyerstow=
n
Road and Connecticut Avenue. very close to where the Capitol Limited and =
a
MARC commuter train collided in the mid 90s in the snow in February of th=
at
year.

One observer said the derailment sounded like a big trash truck dumping o=
ff a
dumpster alot of loud banging. The train came close to, but did not hit a=

residence next to the ROW.  =


I'm amazed to see the reaction of the TV reporters.  They are assuming th=
at
there aren't many passengers on board because it did not occur during the=
 rush
hour.  Another thought the train would be turned around to take commuters=
 home
this evening.  Not to observant.  One described the signal bridge as a
"traffic light" for the engineer to alert him that the Kensington Station=
 was
just ahead.  Obviously not to informed.

The Superliner lodged in the tree has fire and rescue people cutting hole=
s in
the roof to gain access to the passengers.  It is reported that at least =
60
people needing medical attention, 6 with traumatic injuries. They are
reporting that the last patient was extricated at 3:06 PM.  Fire and resc=
ue
are making the final search of the train right now.

Ed Montgomery

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