Fall Tourist Train Vs. Logging Truck

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/10/11/truck-train-collide-in-va-killing-1-injuring-60/?intcmp=latestnews

 

Ken, I agree. I have no information, but I expect that the trucking company or their insurance will pay all damages eventually. Unfortunately that may take two, three, or even four years. In the meantime a small outfit like this will have a major cash flow problem, and may have to seek bankruptcy protection to keep operating.

 

Oh my God! My wife and I were just doing some research on this company. My daughter goes to school at WVU Tech and we thought the excursion would be nice when we go up to visit her. It sounds as if they have a very nice rail program. I hope this doesn't put them out of business! I don't think the RR is that far from the Cass Scenic RR either.

Dean

 

OOoo, what a disaster. My heart goes out to the injured, killed, and their families. Hope the tourist operation survives.

 

http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/131011_19861.shtml

This has a pic from the scene.

Curtis

 

Curtis, thank you. It's tragic that something like this happens, regardless of why.

 

I see Hank beat me to it. Train was made up of GP9 B&O 6641, and probably WM BL-2 #82. Three passenger cars and a power car.

Driver was a distant relation to my wife's family. Mid 40's, hard to tell what happened until autopsy done. State Police said there was no attempt to stop or avoid the collision. Feels like a medical issue here.

The D&GV railroad will continue operating the New Tygart Flyer, Durbin Rocket and other trains. The Cheat Mountain Salamander will not run until furthur notice. They are a well-run operation and own nearly all of their own equipment. They've got 6 or 7 locomotives (f-units, gp9 and bl2) They run freight a couple days a week, too. I'm sure they could round up a couple cars if they don't have extras in storage in Belington at their shop. Ridership would be dropping off by early November when leaves are gone so they may just cancel the run until spring.

Having hi railed in that area before when I still worked with the WVSRA, that crossing had good sight distance for vehicles heading north on 250. The driver was a local and knew that crossing was there despite being the middle of nowhere.

Apparently the truck hit between the two passenger cars, the probability of loss of life on the train would be much much higher if the hit was directly in the side of one car.

 

Pat, thanks for that information. I hope you are correct about medical vs. substance, cellphone, or texting abuse. Sadly, your wife's relative is dead all the same. Glad to hear that D&GV is strong enough financially to survive, many tourist operations constantly live hand-to-mouth.

 

Quite the tragic incident. My sympathies go out to all those involved.

 

My daughter was on her way back to SC the day it happened. She has a short fall break right now. I was the one that told her about it ironically. Again, what a shame and my heart goes out to all involved.

Dean

 

I would be very surprised if the driver had any cell service. That crossing is on a mountain plateau, but cell service is scarce out there.

 

Just a minor correction. The second unit on the Salamander was C&O F7A 7094 (Ex-MILW 109A), not the BL2.

No real updates that I've heard other than the log truck was doing well over 60 when the impact occurred. One person remains in critical condition at WVU Hospital.

Pictures starting to make their way out across the 'net.
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/454978

 

Pat, thanks for the update. I'm very impressed with the structural integrity of the two coaches, especially considering the tremendous kinetic energy of a loaded log truck (~50 Tons) travelling at more than 60 mph. That's equivalent to being hit by a shaped charge of nearly 10 Pounds of TNT, not a small amount.:wideeyes:

 

I don't know much about West Virginia Central passenger cars # 201 & 202 which were the ones that were impacted but they are of similar construction to Western Maryland #835 (Which was the third passenger car on that train, built 1917). Built in the 1910-20's, rebuilt again later at some point.

Despite their 'lack of safety features' compared to a modern car, they performed well considering their age. I suppose they could be repaired, but they just could just as easily get tucked on the dead line covered up and rust away.