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Re: (erielack) More on AMTRAK

It's off-topic, but I'll ask why the national network news (ABC, CBS radio) 
had to refer to a crash of some time ago involving two trains.  There's 
obviously no connection and no plausible reason to tie the two stories 
together.


Ken B.

At 07:13 PM 7/29/02 +0000, ed montgomery wrote:
>This is a very hot day in the DC area with temperatures throughout the area in
>the 90s.  Here in Annandale it is 92 degrees.  The heat index is over 100.
>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 extricate
>people from that car.  It is interesting to observe that the passenger cars
>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 Plyerstown
>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 that
>year.
>
>One observer said the derailment sounded like a big trash truck dumping off 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 that
>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 holes 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 rescue
>are making the final search of the train right now.
>
>Ed Montgomery

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