Amtrak hits semi-truck

[viper]

Looks like a truck went through the gate and the train hit the truck cab.

http://www.wmur.com/news/28509803/de...tml?source=man

[KevinM]

The "Downeaster" actually stops a couple of miles from my home and I see it all the time. Other than the MBTA trains, it's the only passenger train we see up here.

The photos from the news helos right after it happened were horrific. Apparently, there were 200 ft skid marks where the guy tried to stop. It was a 40 mph zone, but who knows how fast he was going. The P42 hit the cab of the truck, ejecting and killing the driver instantly. The truck cab was torn apart. The trailer, which was full of trash was thrown trackside downrange. The saddle tanks on the semi must have ruptured, because the locomotive was engulfed in flames. The Engineer (who survived) apparently brought the train to a stop about 1/4 mile down the tracks and was able to uncouple the flaming engine from the consist.

That was one hell of an impact. Amazing more people weren't hurt. Wish there was a film of it. It should be shown to all drivers before their next license renewal.

[Joe the Photog]

Apparently it's open season on Amtrak by truck drivers. Unfortunately for truck drivers, it never turns out well for them.

[viper]

Originally Posted by Joe the Photog

Apparently it's open season on Amtrak by truck drivers. Unfortunately for truck drivers, it never turns out well for them.

I was thinking that same thing about Amtrak. In December the wife and I are taking the train to MT and back, I'm hoping Amtrak hunting season is over by then.

In baseball a tie goes to the runner, on the tracks it always goes to the train.

[J]

Originally Posted by viper

In baseball a tie goes to the runner, on the tracks it always goes to the train.

Not always!

http://alongtherails.wordpress.com/2...t-bourbonnais/

[viper]

Shouldn't have said always, not only did you find an exception for trains I found a bad call by an ump right after I posted that. I'm amending it from always to usually. Thanks for that story also, it was interesting to read.

[J]

Not a problem. Just pointing out that large commerical vehicles pose a hazard. While focused on teen drivers, the following article / video might be of interest:

http://police.amtrak.com/index.php?o...news&Itemid=50