Rail Crashes

Railroads Given Three More Years to Install Positive Train Control

Agreement has been reached by Congress to extend the vital but costly safety system said to prevent many train crashes. Had it not been reached, freight railroads warned they would shut down, as would passenger rail lines running on their tracks.

October 24, 2015 - The Hill

Metro's Latest Light Rail Crash Sparks Rail Safety Debate

The March 28 crash on Metro's extensive light rail system shouldn't have happened. All the safety measures acted as they should have. Could more have been done to prevent the motorist's fateful turn across the tracks as a train approached?

April 2, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

Metro Light Rail Crash and Derailment Near USC in Los Angeles

Two cars of a three-car Metro Exposition Line train derailed after hitting a compact car in Los Angeles: 21 hurt; train operator and motorist critically. Service was disrupted for thousands of people headed to an international soccer game at USC.

March 29, 2015 - Los Angeles Times - L.A. NOW

Metrolink Crash Would Have Been Much Worse If Not for New Rail Cars

While all four passenger cars derailed in Tuesday morning's crash with a pickup truck, three on their sides, experts indicate that the new cars likely prevented far greater damage. Also covered is the locomotive push-pull issue and grade separations.

February 26, 2015 - Los Angeles Times

Truck Causes Fiery Metrolink Crash in Southern California

All four cars* of a Metrolink train derailed sending 28 people to the hospital, four with critical injuries. The southbound Ventura line train was headed to Union Station Los Angeles when it hit the produce truck at 5:45 AM.

February 25, 2015 - NBC Los Angeles

Metro-North Train Slams into SUV at Railroad Crossing; Six Dead

The commuter train had left Grand Central Terminal on Tuesday evening and hit the Jeep at a grade crossing in Valhalla, Westchester County at 6:30 pm. Five passengers died in the lead car of the train which was engulfed in flames from the impact.

February 4, 2015 - Transportation Nation

Rail and Oil Industries Agree on Measures to Prevent Crude-by-Rail Explosions

U.S. DOT brokered a deal with energy and rail industries whereby both would take immediate steps to prevent the recent explosions involving the more volatile Bakken crude. While voluntary, actual regulations will take more than a year to approve.

January 20, 2014 - The Wall Street Journal

Quebec Rail Disaster Revives Oil Pipeline vs. Crude-By-Rail Debate

In a scene reminiscent of the Denzel Washington movie "Unstoppable", but without the heroic ending, an unmanned, 72-car oil train traveled 7 miles to Lac-Mégantic, pop. 6,000, where it derailed, setting off a fireball downtown. 5 fatalities so far.

July 8, 2013 - The New York Times

High Speed Rail Crash In China Leaves 43 Dead

Two bullet trains collided in China killing 43, injuring 211, on Saturday evening, July 23 in Wenzhou city, after one train stalled on a viaduct, causing four cars of the moving train to fall up to 100 ft. to the ground below. Video attached.

July 26, 2011 - The Times Of India

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