Bad Metrolink Accident in Oxnard

[Lhalo]

30 people hurt and it doesn't look good.

 

http://7online.com/news/metrolink-train-strikes-2-vehicles-in-california-multi-casualty-incident/532210/

 

[Glen]

Somehow, this will cause gas prices to go even higher.

[fan_since79]

"Driver flees scene..."

 

We know where he'll be spending the next ten years.

[The Ghost of Bob Starr]

Thankfully, nobody dead.  This is not nearly as bad as the deadly crash from Pacoima years ago.   

[TobiasFunke]

It's 2015, should at least metrolink trains be completely computerized? There should be no way of a possibility of a crash.

[red321]

This is probably just a guerrilla marketing scheme for webuyuglyhouses.com

[gotbeer]

It's 2015, should at least metrolink trains be completely computerized? There should be no way of a possibility of a crash.

 

Depending on how long the tractor or whatever vehicle was on the tracks.  And depending on the speed of the train.  Sometimes, even with computers, it's physically impossible to stop a train before impact.  

 

Good thing that no one was killed.  Unlike that **** that tried to commit suicide in glendale and ended up killing eleven.  

[Chimi]

I'm pretty sure the Metrolink trains are computerized. But that only stops them from hitting other trains. It doesn't stop some idiot that decides to park his car on the tracks. I'm not sure what the distance needed is for a Metrolink train to stop completey but I know with freight trains it's at least a mile. Even if Metrolink trains required half of that, that's still quite the distance and that's if they already know ahead of time that someone is on the tracks.

[Jay]

"Driver flees scene..."

 

We know where he'll be spending the next ten years.

 

Mexico?

[Spencer]

The Metrolink trains chug along at a pretty quick clip, around 70mph.

That's a metric shit ton of mass and inertia to stop.

 

The big heavy freight trains (2-3 miles in length, 55mph or so) can take upwards of 2 miles to come to a stop, and that's if the track was completely straight.  Add curvature to the track and the braking time increases.

 

The Metrolinks are much shorter and lighter, but I would think it would take at least a mile for them to stop.

 

Any time you foul the tracks (ie: park a vehicle or equipment within 25 feet of the rail [freight rail standard distance, Metrolink may be different]) you need clearance and to have a flagman present at all times to act as a lookout.

 

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Metrolink-Train-Crash-Oxnard-Camarillo-Ventura-County-293835911.html

 

The latest news report says it was a produce truck that was parked on the tracks and that the dude got out and ran away.

F*cking asshole.

[Angels_Make_Me_Drink]

Is it wrong the only thing I noticed at first was the billboard?

[Redondo]

Thankfully, nobody dead. 

 

This.

[mp170.6]

I'm pretty sure the Metrolink trains are computerized. But that only stops them from hitting other trains. It doesn't stop some idiot that decides to park his car on the tracks. I'm not sure what the distance needed is for a Metrolink train to stop completey but I know with freight trains it's at least a mile. Even if Metrolink trains required half of that, that's still quite the distance and that's if they already know ahead of time that someone is on the tracks.

 

The railroads are in the process of implementing a system called Positive Train Control which will enforce speeds, block signal indications, and prevent most train-to-train collisions, but not much more.  PTC is currently plagued with many, many problems and the railroads will not meet the 2015 mandate set by Congress.  They're not even close.  Currently, the only thing preventing trains from crashing into each other is the engineer's attentiveness. 

 

PTC would not have stopped or prevented this accident.  The only way to prevent accidents like today's is to close all road crossings (not possible) or stop running trains (also not possible). 

 

I can tell the engineer spotted the truck on the crossing well in advance based on the short distance it came to a stop, and the relative small amount of damage and injuries. 

[gotbeer]

According to the news conference.  Guy in the truck missed the intersection and somehow tried to cross along the tracks and got stuck.  

[Redondo]

'VERY CONCERNED': Feds say truck in Calif. train crash wasn't stuck on tracks

• 

 

• FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS SAY they are trying to determine why a pickup truck driver drove onto tracks and abandoned his truck, leading to a train crash that left three cars derailed and dozens injured in Southern California.

[Tank]

police found the driver 1.6 miles away from the accident wandering rather aimlessly and in pain. KNX radio reported that he had "obvious injuries" but they didn't go into detail. what injuries does one get from abandoning their vehicle on the tracks?

 

apparently his wife told reporters or investigators that he got stuck and paniced. not sure i buy into that.

[gotbeer]

California train crash: Wife of driver says he was grieving child's death

 

Sounds like they are already starting to make excuses.  

Edited February 25, 2015 by gotbeer

[Hollyw00d]

So now he's going to face charges, right?

Of course, what am I thinking. He's not white

[gotbeer]

Oh BTW.  How is this for lawyer speak.  Saw an interview with his lawyer.  According to him, he was found a mile+ away from the accident because he was trying to find help.

[Blarg]

Sounds like he found a lawyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shouldn't have needed to go a complete mile.

[gotbeer]

Sounds like he found a lawyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shouldn't have needed to go a complete mile.

 

He didn't know the area, and couldn't find anyone.  So he called his son.  /doh.

[Blarg]

Probably could have done that from the cab of the truck. 

[arch stanton]

The train was making too much noise for him to call from the truck.

[gotbeer]

The train was making too much noise for him to call from the truck.

 

I know when people are crying and screaming, I can't hear a thing on my phone.  That's why I use gags.

[Lhalo]

I know when people are crying and screaming, I can't hear a thing on my phone.  That's why I use gags.

Bravo my good man.

Bravo.