I dont belive that engine Did that damage?
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| Posted by CJ on August 3, 2006 | |
1 MPH wouldn't do that kind of major damage. The bus had to be damaged previously in another collision with a train or truck (or wrecking ball).
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Yes, it could. The wall of the bus is literally 2 layers of galvanized sheet metal with some insulation inbetween. Something weighing 200,000 pounds could do that, even at 1mph.
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| Posted by CJ on August 4, 2006 | |
Six years and several hundred accident investigations say otherwise...
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Remember that kinetic energy is mass times the square of the velocity. Even though the train was traveling at a very slow speed, its mass is still very large, so there is a great deal of kinetic energy involved. Combine that with the thin surface that Frederick W. mentioned, and you have a surprising amount of damage.
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| Posted by CJ on August 7, 2006 | |
That looks like a really excellent drill. Many jurisdictions are not as prepared for a mass casualty incident as they should be; to make it so realistic, emotionally demanding and resource draining is even better!
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| Posted by GoldenRodent on August 10, 2006 | |
Just keep in mind too that locomotives are designed for the stresses of constantly hauling several heavy railcars while road vehicles are only designed for collisions with other road vehicles. Something to think about!
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It also makes you think that these school busses need to be built a bit stronger. Imagine if this wasn't a drill and that bus was loaded with kids. There would be some body bags at the scene.
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