The boom of an excavator being transported by a Euro Cargo Rail freight train came loose in transit, it swung out and struck the locomotive of a passing SNCF freight train, ripping open the side of the locomotive. Fortunately even though the accident happened in the early morning hours, the SNCF driver was able to avoid serious injury. The mainline between Paris and Bordeaux was blocked for more than 24hrs. while the accident was cleaned up. The SNCF locomotive, BB7220, looks like a write off. The accident happened shortly after midnight on the morning of Wednesday, May 20th.
Any idea if the boom had originally been secured in the forward or trailing position?
No idea, but it was leading at the time of the accident.
Most US Carriers have Train Handling Rules that require moveable crane booms to be in the trailing position in trains that move them.
That’s a good Idea. Obusly…