Accident

[Robin Matthysen]

This morning, the 28th. of September, the west bound Amtrack from Toronto bound for Windsor Ontario colided with a car at a level crossing just west of the village of Limehouse. The car was cut in half and an unconfirmed report says the are three deaths. This crossing is protected by flashing lights. Two years ago, the Amtrack struck a gravel truck at this same crossing.
The problem as I see it is there are so few trains using this section of track that drivers don't pay as much attention to flashing grade crossings as they should. A sad situation. No word yet about crew or passengers yet.

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.fortuncity.com/mat80)

[BrianS]

Amtrak on a Toronto to Windsor run? Sounds more like VIA rail to me...

[Robin Matthysen]

It is Amtrack service and this train was headed for Chicago after passing through Windsor or Sarnia whichever. 60 Passengers on board. None injured and crew are ok other than the shock to the poor engineer who had to face this. Three young males in the car were killed. This in spite of flashing crossing lights and bells. Now the push is on to have barriers as well. I don't think that will solve the problem. The issue is one where more motorists ignore stop signs, go through red traffic lights and will always try to beat a train. The speed limit on the stretch of road is 80 kph. I have been on it and if you drive 90 kph you are going slower than traffic. It is always sad though when young people lose their lives no matter what.

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.fortuncity.com/mat80)

[This message has been edited by Robin Matthysen (edited 28 September 2000).]

[BCAmtrak]

Between Toronto and Sarnia ON, The International ( Amtrak, VIA) is actually a VIA train. When it arrives into Port Huron MI, it becomes Amtrak's International to Chicago

[Robin Matthysen]

I put this post under the Amtrack section because the loco and cars are painted in Amtrack colours and have the Amtrack logos. They may be operated by Via personnel but I was not aware of that. If this should be posted elsewhere, please let me know

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.fortuncity.com/mat80)

[Alan]

My one and only train ride in North America was on the "International" both ways between Toronto and Flint, Mi. in 1985. It was Amtrak equipment then, also.

Are they still using those awful Amfleet coaches?

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Alan

The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale!

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[BrianS]

For a while they had converted the train to Superliners, but from what I hear it's back to using Horizon and Amfleet equipment. They had to scour to get enough Superliners for a daily Eagle, and this was one of the casualties.

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Brian Schmidt
railohio@hotmail.com
ICQ #21630753
AIM - railohio

[reggierail]

If the train makes stops in Canada it is operated by VIA Rail in Canada. Trains such as the Maple Leaf & International are operated in that manner. Inventory on the train is controlled By Amtrak if passengers are traveling between the 2 countries(passenger availability). The service on the Adirondack & to Vancouver, B.C. is operated By Amtrak through to destination. Reggie

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[Robin Matthysen]

Further to this accident, there was a work truck parked on the shoulder while a crew were installing a section of fibre optical controls along the track. It has been found that the truck blocked the crossing signal on the right hand side. The signal on the other side of the road was right in the morning sun. A witness said the car slowed down and passed the truck at about ten miles an hour and drove into the path of the oncoming train. The occupants did not hear the trains horn. There is a W sigal approaching this crossing. Members of the work crew tried to warn the car but may have taken the attention of the driver away from the oncoming train.
It is so sad that these three young men on their way to school died.

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Robin
Maberly and Tayside (http://members.fortuncity.com/mat80)

[reggierail]

Riding on the Sunset Limited from New Orleans on October 29th We struck a car. Fortunately no one was seriously injured, in fact the lone occupant of the car was walking after the accident. One person on the train was injured & taken off the train for observation. When will people learn that it's not worth the few moments of time to risk your life & property? Reggie

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[fostoria]

It is always sad to hear of deaths caused by a car getting hit, but too often we forget about the train crew who has to live with the memory.
Another comment with the way young people have radio volumes turned up I doubt they could hear the engine whistle no matter how loud it was