Two of SEPTA’s R2 trains collided head-on Saturday – on the single line section near Willow Grove.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/14958995.htm
The first time I ever heard of trains being able to “pull over in siding areas to let an oncoming train pass” – unless the dispatcher set turn-outs and signals for them.
That Saturday as I drove home to Upper Bucks County from the Jersey shore, I monitored railroad and fire radio channels on my scanner. I heard radio talk from the collision event between SEPTA’s R2 trains #1134 and #1143 at Roslyn, PA as well as the numerous dispatches of rescue equipment.
Because the radio on #1134 was so weak, I could not understand much of what she said. The only portions that were understandable were those she nearly shouted.
Here is my interpretation and transcription:
(1134 tries repeatedly to raise the DS, at least 4 times, but the transmission was so weak you would barely know it except by the repeater squelch closing.)
(DS answers #1134)
[Gleaned from amplifying a recording, the engineer says something like:] “I’d just like to know what’s with my cab [signal?] when I stop and proceed on the distant through ROS and the approach goes out with it.”
(DS tells #1134 her radio is very weak and asks for a repeat)
[Also gleaned from a recording,] “It went from a clear at CP LYN to stop and proceed on the distant to Grove South over.”
(DS answers “Roger” but does not tell her to stop, go or otherwise.) It’s my opinion he may not have understood all of her transmission and/or needs a moment for analysis.
I don’t know whether 1134 proceeds following that exchange. Some news reports say 1134 is stopped but other indications suggest the train may be moving.
The collision occurs moments later, with the engineer of #1143 calling out “Emergency! Emergency! Emergency!”
Moments later the conductor of 1134 reports to the DS “We’ve been struck by a southbound train!” and seconds later the engineer reports, “We hit hard with the southbound.”
It appears the southbound driver has disregarded a signal indication at Willow Grove. The two trains usually meet there. The collision resulted in numerous injuries but no fatalities.
Is it just me or does it seem like we are having more commuter train accidents in recent years?
Any more news to report on this one?
Could be odds, with more trains there is more of a chance of being that one that has a problem? Commuter ridership has generally been on the up swing so the services have had to add trains and routes. More trains on the same amount of track.