Usually I don’t post about or even read much about these kinds of events, but as you’ll see this one is definitely out of the usual ‘run-of-the-mill’, and comes close to a ‘man-bites-dog’ type of story. Here’s the link to the short article in the Allentown, PA The Morning Call of Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 - the collision occurred late on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5th:
http://www.mcall.com/news/police/all-5train.7012749sep07,0,2256912.story
What makes this one unusual are these aspects:
Let’s see:
Child Endangerment, four counts.
Interfering with public transportation.
Attempted suicide.
Unfortunately, stupidity isn’t a chargeable offense, even though it is, ultimately, a capital crime. Luckily, in sparing the driver, Somebody made sure the minor innocent bystanders were unhurt.
A savvy DA should have a field day with this, and the local media should make it a big deal as well. That way, maybe some of the other semi-brain-dead car pilots might get the message.
Chuck
I have been to this line several times and its a nice ride. There are several grade crossings and I believe the one in question is one of the busier ones. I can’t account for what made her go in front of the train unless nobody takes the trains too seriously since it is a tourist line. I know people tend to walk in front at the end of the line when they do the runaround, but if the signals were working then just like any other rail line, stay off the tracks. Its a shame and I hope they don’t have too many repercussions because of it, but of course its never that easy.
Unfortunately, many tourist lines are already hanging on by the skin of their teeth. I’m certainly not glad the incident happened (these things are rarely “accidents”), but I am glad that it appears the railroad holds no share of the blame.
Paul:
Thanks for posting this… As you are aware; I have friends in the area, one who had owned a 250 yr old log home ( a one time hotel, and stage stop) right beside the WK&S R.O.W. I have enjoyed this tourist line many times, but unfortunately, not in recent years.
Yes, I had you and your friend in mind when I posted this. If I’m not mistaken, the log house is at the NW quadrant of this same grade crossing, but I believe the wreckage was pushed the other way, to the south - normally, at that time the train would be returning to the Kempton station. Quite literally, the train - with either of the little critters powering it - ‘cleared the crossing’, as the saying goes. I’m sure there was a ‘bump’ of some kind - but probably not a big one. [;)]
If I knew how to insert an image here I could show the log cabin in question. We don’t do links to other websites. Its a neat cabin and the rr is very nice as well.
Thanks, Paul and John;
I appreciate your thoughts. The village of Trexler was the location of the log house on the Old Phila.Pike stage route to Reading. It was at one time an inn and stage stop, The rail crossing was on the Reading to Slatington (I think).
Again, Thank you.
I don’t think this is considered ‘public’ transportation, but I’ll raise you:- Reckless driving
I like the reckless driving, that’s what it should be, on top of child Endangerment, and violating a rail crossing device. At least she didn’t try to sue the railroad say it was their fault some how. You just got to love people being unable to admit that they screwed up.