amtrak-csx-trains-collide-in-south-carolina-injuries-reported

[Philip H]

Even with people missing signals. One would think computers would stop the train(s) or send a warning.

Again that’s how PTC is supposed to work when fully implemented.
Add in Amtrak and CSX having different dispatchers and different computer systems and things can go gonzo pretty quickly.

[jagged ben]

CSX gave verbal approval for Amtrak to proceed, a switch was not aligned properly.

When you talk someone around a red, don't they still have to go at restricted speed? 

[wcfn100]

From what I've read:

Signals were down for maintenance and Amtrak was told to proceed verbally. The CSX train was in the siding but the switch points weren't re-aligned for the main which caused the Amtrak train to crash into the rear of the CSX train.


Jason

[Loren Perry]

This video clearly shows the Amtrak train was diverted onto the siding (see 23 seconds into the footage) and into the forward end of the CSX freight which was parked and unmanned. The utter destruction of the Amtrak engine and the lead CSX unit is sobering. Also the folded-in-half coach four cars from the rear of the Amtrak train. Amazingly, the highway overpass was not brought down in this incident, but one can see how close that came to be.

Definitely not the fault of Amtrak's engine crew. Possible culprits: the dispatcher, equipment failure, unauthorized tampering, or sabotage.

[jereising]

Thanks, Loren!

Be interesting to know at what speed they made contact - incredible destruction...WAPO says they couldn't recover the black box from either lead loco, too much destruction...

[learmoia]

It's difficult to listen to the broadcasters report on this.  "3rd similar crash that Amtrak has been involved in in the last month or so."  One was human error, missed a signal to slow down, another was a grade crossing incident and now this one being a head-on collision. Nothing similar except they all crashed.

And in only one of the 3 was Amtrak likely at fault...

(Amtrak likely didn't put the truck on the road, and Amtrak likely leave the CSX Switch in the reverse position..)

~Ian

[Chris333]

CSX was parked. Amtrak doing about 60 mph.

[nscaleSPF2]

According to CBS News,

“Amtrak President Richard Anderson appeared to point the finger at CSX, saying the signal system run by the freight railroad at that spot was down at the time, and CSX dispatchers were manually routing trains. The NTSB said it was working to confirm that.”

[wm3798]

So how's that Precision Railroading working for you now?

[mu26aeh]

Where's that move to proper forum banner at ?  We now have 3 separate threads in 3 separate forums now....

[draskouasshat]

And in only one of the 3 was Amtrak likely at fault...

(Amtrak likely didn't put the truck on the road, and Amtrak likely leave the CSX Switch in the reverse position..)

~Ian

And amtrak likely was NOT running at restricted speed, stop within half the range of vision of trains,  locomotives,  men,  or equipment on the track.

If the signal system is malfunctioning and all signals are set to there most restrictive aspect, no train has the authority to move at any speed other than restricted.

Amtrak most likely didn't follow instructions.

Drasko

[draskouasshat]

Add in Amtrak and CSX having different dispatchers and different computer systems and things can go gonzo pretty quickly.

That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works..........

[ridinshotgun]

NTSB briefing this afternoon said that the switch was lined and locked for the siding.  CSX train had been switching autoracks earlier in the day and was tied down by the crew.  No comment on signal maintenance or switch maintenance until further info is reviewed.

[up1950s]

So there was no light signal visible to be seen by an Amtrak train coming around the bend in time to stop ? A couple of grand is all it would have cost for a crude one . It should have been a NTSB mandated item wherever Passenger service runs decades ago .

[nkalanaga]

If the signal system is turned off, not just malfunctioning, or set to "stop", the railroad could declare it "dark territory", under timetable/track warrant control.  It used to be that, in the absence of a signal system, trains were limited to 49 mph.

Here is the actual site, on Google Maps.  There is even a string of autoracks on the siding, where the CSX train was today.  The switch in question is to the upper right of the highway bridge. 
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.9086261,-81.0672532,354m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en