Re: (erielack) Amtrak On the Ground Again

["Alexander Scandrett" <scanlpr_@_mlec.net>]

Reading all of the recent accident reports, I won't be surprised if 99.9% of
all Amtrak accidents are caused by  running on the same tracks as freights.

as

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "ed montgomery" <emontgomery_@_paxway.com>
To: <erielack_@_lists.railfan.net>
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2002 13:59
Subject: (erielack) Amtrak On the Ground Again


> I was driving home about 20 minutes ago and heard a radio bulletin that
Amtrak
> had derailed again.  When I got to the house the local TV stations had
their
> helicopters shooting pictures.  It was the Capitol Limited.  The engines
> remained on the track but the baggage care and at least 4 Superliners went
> down an embankment.  Most on their sides.  The helicoptor shots
illustrated a
> roadbed that appears to have shifted or had been drawn out of alignment by
the
> derailment.  It is one heck of a mess.  I'm wondering if it is roadbed
related
> similar to what happened to the AutoTrain in the spring.  We had some
heavy
> downpours within the last few days.
>
> The train was in CSX double track territory on the north track or what
used to
> be westbound on the old B&O main.  There doesn't seem to be any fatalities
at
> this time.  Some injuries have been reported.  It has been reported that
at
> least 6 people have been and may still be trapped in the train at this
> writing.
>
> Not good news for Amtrak.  This might be the thing that will be the last
blow
> for the carrier.
>
> Helicoptor shots illustrate that the welded rail let loose from the ties
> resulting in the ties being pushed together at about a 60 degree angle to
the
> direction of the rails.  MARC rail has already replaced their evening rail
> service with bus transportation.
>
> Ed Montgomery
>

------------------------------