I watched a Shreveport, LA television station reporting on the BNSF/UP read end collision in Keithville, LA. They reported that a BNSF coal train was in the siding and that a following UP train entered the siding and collided with the BNSF train.
Was this on the former Texas and Pacific?
Anyone know the method of operation on that line and can share any other information? How much damage was done and were any cars/locomotives derailed?
I don’t see that the NTSB will investigate this accident.
I can’t vouch for the accuracy, but on another forum the discussion makes it sound that the trains hit head on. That a crew member of the train in the siding opened the switch after copying a track warrant that stated it wasn’t in effect until after the arrival of the UP train. From the discussions it sounds like it may have been in ABS-TWC territory, but the train on the main track was too close to the switch to get a warning from the signal system.
The article cited above your original post says UP rear ended BNSF on a siding. Article begins with a line side resident reporting a “metalic” smell immediately after the collision. I take that to be hot brake shoe smell. Time was before 7:00 AM. Photo shows cars in siding and to the switch but not signals (or lack of signals) at switch, so there is no basis to talk about traffic control method.
What it looks like to me is that UP train was moving at greater than restricted speed in the siding. Photo shows pieces of equipment flung to the side and stacked up consistent with impact speed of 15-20 MPH and empty cars. Would not be surprised to find foggy conditions at time of Ax.
What I wonder about is why DS put second train in the siding since it looks like both would not fit. Wonder if DS forgot the first train?
Under almost any train control scenario the move into the siding was a restricted speed move. Siding is tangent from switch to point of impact, some 30 or so car lengths. I think over speed in fog.
I know what the title of the media article said. I’m just relating info from another forum where the poster claims to know some of the crewmen involved.
Supposedly, the BNSF train was in the siding. They received an “after arrival” warrant. Instead of waiting for the UP train to arrive, the conductor went ahead and lined the switch. The approaching UP train went through the switch into the siding and the standing BNSF train.