Breaking News: Major Amtrak wreck in Philadelphia…
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Amtrak-Derailment-Philadelphia--303536331.html
Preliminary reports are 50 injured, and Amfleets on their sides. Northeast Regional 188. Let’s hope all will be fine.
Does anyone know the track layout of the scene?
Derailed on outside of curve, next to freight yard.
It appears to be at Frankford Junction. The ex-PRR mainline sweeps in a broad left-hand curve (moving northeast towards NY). Back in the late 70s, my recollection is that it was 60 mph territory because of the curve. There are 4 mainline tracks. There used to be (may not be anymore) a separate Conrail industrial track (in poor condition) on the inside of the curve. To the outside, there are several tracks that split off from the main into the yard, then continue across a bridge towards Atlantic City.
In the accident photos, there is a badly twisted catenary bridge. It looks to me like it’s from those junction tracks, not the mainline.
The PRR had a bad derailment just south of this many years ago.
– Steve
NBC says several fatalities.
Philly mayor confirmed at least 5 fatalities. Rest in peace.
From what I saw on my local NBC affiliate, and the links on this thread, it’s obviously a major mess. Personally, I’m going to wait for daylight before even trying to figure out what happened. Of course, by that time the fault-finders and the people with agendas will all be out in full cry…
My deepest sympathy to the injured, and to the families of the deceased. After an incident like this, it’s hard to remember that train travel is still the safest way to get from here to elsewhere.
Chuck
Please remember those who have lost loved ones. The CNN interviews and pictures show many injuried being removed to local hospitals.
CNN has had the ‘experts’ out discussing the rail conditon. The ‘experts’ have has point the discussion towards the poor conditon of the track due to the many trains and a few tank trains. The expert blamed the poor rails on the “decline of the rail industry” and that no steel mill is interested in making ‘heavy rail.’
" Amtrak had wanted to go to heaver rails in this part of the main, but could not find a supplier." I find it interesting as Western rail lines (UP, BNSF) are double and tripple tracking without a cry “someone make us some rails!”
In my local area Amtrak yard concert rail conversion is going full ahead, been so for several months. Can’t see how some ‘expert’ can put the blame on a lack of heavy rail and a “declining industry.”
Early, early report was the train may have it a CSX engine; there is an active Conrail yard here. I actually live around a mile from the accident; the Corridor runs behind my house. My wife heard the train sound a series of short blasts from it’s horn, before hearing what sounded like dynamite to her,along with rumblings.
Yes, I heard one expert discuss the fact that oil trains travel over the NEC, and hint at the possiblity of it being a cause. Makes me sick. For just one night, turn off the agenda and focus on the victims and their families. Please!
Looks like no freight trains were involved.