While I still don't have all the specifics, I can report that there was a major derailment South of Mojave, CA on the UP. The derailment occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 PM on Wed. 11/21. I actually passed the Emergency Response vehicles near Monolith while returning to Bakersfield from Las Vegas. The location of the derailment was about 5 miles South of Mojave on the line to Palmdale near Ansel. Preliminary reports are that four locomotives and about 24 cars derailed with at least one of the crew members receiving minor injuries. While no cause has been officially determined, it is rumored that the train may have struck a cut of cars on an adjacent track that were fouling the main. If I hear anything further, I will let you know.
Here's what is being reported by KCBS news in Los Angeles: Two train workers suffered minor injuries when a locomotive jumped the tracks near Mojave Wednesday night. The derailment of the Union Pacific freight train was reported around 8:30 p.m., news wires reported. Four locomotives and 24 of the train's 80 cars left the tracks, causing the lead locomotive to overturn. Two men on the lead locomotive suffered minor injuries and were taken to Antelope Valley Hospital for treatment. Some of the cars on the train were used to carry hazardous materials, though authorities said none of them left the tracks. The cause of the derailment was not immediately known.
On my way down to the area Friday Morning early. Hopefully will have some pictures up on my derailments page by Saturday. I'll post a note then. They'll be on this page when I get them. http://www.trainweb.org/brettrw/derailments.html Brett Wirick Curator: X Railroad Crossings X http://www.trainweb.org/brettrw/
