Around 4:15 PM today, Amtrak San Joaquin #714 bound for Bakersfield was involved in a multiple fatality grade crossing accident North of Bakersfield. The Amtrak train was operating at track speed of 79mph when the van driver failed to yield at the Poplar Ave. crossing near Shafter, CA (about 15 Mi. North of Bakersfield) and was struck by the train. The van was wrapped around the nose of F69PHI #2012 and was carried over 1/2 mile down the tracks. All seven occupants of the van were killed with two ejected from the vehicle. There were no reported injuries to the 10 crew members or any of the 82 passengers on board the train. The Poplar Road crossing is equipped with flashing warning lights, but no crossing gates. Witnesses report that the lights were working properly. Since all occupants of the van died, it is likely that the reason for the van's failure to stop for the train will never be known. Television reports are already stating that it appears that the driver tried to beat the train. If so then he, his passengers and the Amtrak crew have paid a huge price for what would have amounted to a savings of about 30 seconds of driving time. My thoughts are with the engine crew, as they are victims of this horrible accident that will most likely be completely ignored by the media who will probably focus only on the victims who died. [ 06 June 2002, 00:33: Message edited by: Kevin Stevens ]
UPDATE Well, the other shoe has now dropped nearly 6 months after this tragic accident. Here is a link to today's (6/5/2002) news story from a Bakersfield, CA television station: Family Files Suit Against Amtrak In Train, Van Crash All I can say is; Shame on the families for choosing to blame the deep pockets instead of the true person at fault in this accident (the driver), and shame on the lawyers for filing such a ridiculous lawsuit...and shame on the court system if they do not throw this action out before it gets started. At least the story today quoted that the driver was driving on a suspended license, and although not legally drunk he did have alcohol in his system. My favorite quote from the story: "Amtrak saw the van but did not stop in time and Burlington failed to place crossing arms despite eight accidents at the same crossing since 1966." It is amazing that people can say such moronic statements, and submit them in court documents...Since the lawsuit will not bring back the victims of the accident, it is safe to say that the lawyers will be the only winners if this case makes it into court.
Kevin, it is absolutely ridiculous how the press, pols, lawyers have ruined our once great country. I have a new quote about the lack of common sense here (which disappeared more rapidly than the commie NEA could have dreamed, while dumbing down our education system)--Our common sense has been sucked into the TV. Curmudgeon of the North
Makes me want to be a judge so I can throw these moronic cases and the morons the file them out on their ears. Then I'd fine them for wasting everybodies time!!!!!
It ain't about wrongful death and it ain't about safety at the crossings. It's all about MONEY. Somebody smells deep pocket cash and suddenly it's everybody's fault but the person who really caused the whole mess. If the engineer on that train had had a BAC of "only" .02 or was operating on a suspended licence, he'd probably be crucified in the village square. But because the van driver was below the legal limit and was only driving a motor vehicle full of innocent victims, that makes it ok. Why not sue the driver's family or insurance company? Because his survivors are broke anyway and even if there was insurance coverage, there wouldn't be $13.6 million worth of it. (By the way, how do they come up with those figures?) Ever hear of a train crew or passengers filing a zillion dollar suit against the surviving family members of a crossing crash for pain and suffering? I never have, but guess who'll get dragged into court to re-live the whole thing again and again. This kind of stuff makes me sick.
Totally ridiculous lawsuit. Maybe the cure is to actively prosecute these morons that ignore the crossing signals. This should be a federal crime as it would be if you drove onto a runway as a plane was taking off. Interfering with interstate transportation. I think any survivors should be sued for damages also. Reggie
