I'm surprised no one has mentioned this. The Empire Builder, westbound, derailed at Stevenson this morning. Reports were 115 passengers, several injuries, some serious. Later reports indicated six people admitted to Portland hospitals with serious injuries. I'm having problems with this. Having ridden that BNSF track many times, it's all concrete tie, welded rail, very smooth. Wonder what was the cause? Watching the press deal with it has been quite hilarious. Gee, you'd think that the folks in Portland might know were Stevenson is. They were reporting it directly across the Columbia from Hood River, OR. Wrong. It is basically at the Bonneville dam. They also referred to "all four 'trains' off the track" meaning cars. The TV coverage has shown all cars leaning apparently up against an imbankment. Doesn't look like much damage. Probably going track speed which I think is 70 or more along there.
Have been busy with other distractions today. So have not browsed any news. It's no surprise that media doesn't know where something is located. Even in what is literally their own back yard. They're so wound up in themselves, they might not even be able to find their own office chairs.... Boxcab E50
That's because the Press is usually talking out the end that goes on that chair. Sorry to hear of another derail. Hope it isn't Amtrak's or BNSF's fault. ...And IF neither them the jerk(s) are caught that caused it.
Saw it on CNN this morning. Just a short newsblurb though. Not much in the way of detail. More headaches for beat-up AMTRAK.
My wife still checks the news up their (KATU) and she told me last night. Helll if I knew where Stevenson was, but I must have driven past it on 14 a couple times, because I used to drive past the dam and then bridge of the gods all the time.
Yoho- For locating Stevenson, it's five miles east of North Bonneville, WA. NB, is where you'd see Bonneville Dam. Boxcab E50
Track speed is 60mph at this location, concrete ties and ribbon rail. First guess is the rail spead under engine. The spot had been reported as rough for a week. Crew is ok except for DH conductor who sustained a bad head injury. She is a crew person on my crew to K-falls and was coming into work with us on Sunday. Needless to say we had an extraboard to fill her shoes.
