Amtrak Derailment Philadelphia (5/12/2015)

[ALC Rail Writer]

FBI at this point is saying it doesn't appear to be a act of terrorism. IF the train was doing 106 Why did it go that fast and why didn't the systems in place stop it? maybe a medical issue with the engineer and he slumped over on the throttle?

If we're entertaining random speculation, the first thought in my head was something involving the new engines.

There were probably multiple factors involved so it's important to avoid too much rampant speculation.

That being said one really has to hope it's not the new engines.

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

The curve is rated for 50, what is the speed limit prior to that one?

 

[jis]

Depends on whether ACSES has been cut into service there or not. No one so far seems to have definitive knowledge about it. So hard to answer. Without ACSES the train would have a clear at the last signal and it would be upto the engineer to obey the speed limit. With ACSES the engine would automatically enforce the speed limit and do a penalty application to stop too IIRC. Of course then again someone could goof in programming the transponder at Shore too. Many possibilities. Best to wait for NTSB.

 

[neutralist]

This tragedy will not happen with PTC. Needs to be fully funded.

 

[PRR 60]

The curve is rated for 50, what is the speed limit prior to that one?

I believe the speed approaching the curve from the west is 80mph.

 

[mwmnp]

The best aerial view I've seen yet from the helicopter circling the site. The rear of the train is at the bottom of the frame; the locomotive at the top.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Wow! If true, 106 is extremely over speed as Bill said!

Hopefully the engineer wasn't of the same mindset as that depressed pilot that recently crashed the plane into the mountains in Europe!

And wouldn't the Dispatcher, Conductor(s), as well and the Engineer, know if the train was overspeeding since they are all qualified on the NEC??

 

[CHamilton]

The mayor of Philadelphia says that there will be another update at 11 AM ET. He does not anticipate any further news until then. SEPTA and Amtrak are both likely to be down in that area through the rest of the week.

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

I believe the speed approaching the curve from the west is 80mph.

So 106 or not, if they are going about 80 and don't reduce speed coming out of that straightaway, they flip.

 

[Jon Parker]

Wow! If true, 106 is extremely over speed as Bill said!

Hopefully the engineer wasn't of the same mindset as that depressed pilot that recently crashed the plane into the mountains in Europe!

Seems like an incredibly inefficient way to achieve that goal, if one had that in mind.

 

[SarahZ]

I cannot even begin to handle the idiocy on Facebook right now. Most people are posting the usual "prayers" stuff, but the Tin Foil Hat Brigade is starting to show up.

These exchanges, and there have been several, make me want to tear my hair out:

Tin Foil: Outlaw all trains! They aren't safe! When is this lunacy going to end?!?

Logical People: Trains are safer than cars.

TF: That's just your opinion.

LP: *statistics* *links* *citations*

TF: Whatever. You can believe what you want. That's just, like, your opinion.

LP: It's not our "opinion". It's scientific fact.

TF: Well I choose not to believe your opinion. I'm allowed to have my opinion, and you can have yours.

LP: FACTS ARE NOT OPINIONS.

TF: Wharrragggggarrrbbblllllllllllll...

I would have more respect for people if they said, "I know that trains are safer, but I'm scared." Okay. Fine. People feel the same way about planes. Phobias are phobias. But don't sit there and look at facts and figures from multiple, credible sources and call them "opinions". :angry:

 

[Bob Dylan]

Excellent post Sarah!

This also applies to those dimwits and charlatans who deny Climate Change and make moronic statements such as " I'm not a Scientist....!" and "Don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up!"

Same mindset that made abominations like the ex-communication of Galileo, The Inquisition,Hitler's and Stalin's Purges, the Crusades and the Salem Witch Hunts possible!

 

[Guest]

I thought Sprinters were equipped with technology to prevent speeding.

It could turn out to be a case just like the Metro North incident where conductor was speeding. If so then the equipment to prevent speeding should be mandatory.

 

[CHamilton]

The mayor of Philadelphia says that there will be another update at 11 AM ET. He does not anticipate any further news until then. SEPTA and Amtrak are both likely to be down in that area through the rest of the week.

Amtrak updates are here: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Alert_C&pagename=am/AM_Alert_C/Alerts_Popup&cid=1251628184602

and on the Amtrak blog: http://blog.amtrak.com/2015/05/amtrak-northeast-regional-train-188-north-philadelphia/
Amtrak is saying that they will be posting a service plan for Wednesday "soon."

 

[Bob Dylan]

CNNs Talking Head just called a picture of one of the Amfleets involved in the derailment " The Caboose of the train!" and said it's "..obvious that the driver was going too fast before the wreck.."

 

[Guest]

Unfortunately no deadhead equipment on this train.

ACS64 601

Business 81528

Coach Q/C 82776

Coach 82644

Cafe 43346

Coach 82761

Coach 82797

Coach 82981

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

Amtrak released this statement at 1:15 ET

Update on Train 188 of May 12 at North Philadelphia Fatalities confirmed by local officials, Family Assistance Center opened, Hotline staffed

May 13, 2015

1:15 a.m. ET

Business hours: Amtrak Media Relations, Washington: 202 906.3860;
email: [email protected]

After hours: weekends & holidays: 800 562.1904
We are deeply saddened by the loss of life from Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 that derailed north of Philadelphia Tuesday evening. We ask the news media to be respectful of our customers, our employees, and their families.

There were approximately 238 passengers and 5 crew members on board. Individuals with questions about their friends and family on this train should call the Amtrak Incident Hotline 800-523-9101. Amtrak has also established a Family Assistance Center to work closely with family and friends of individuals on the train.

Local emergency responders are on the scene and an investigation is ongoing. Northeast Corridor service between New York and Philadelphia remains suspended. A service plan for Wednesday, May 13, will be announced soon.

Additional updates will be provided when available, including on the Amtrak blog: http://blog.amtrak.com/2015/05/amtrak-northeast-regional-train-188-north-philadelphia/
Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans orreview refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com,smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

To be notified of service disruptions on the Northeast Corridor (including Acela Express, Northeast Regional and other corridor services), follow @AmtrakNEC on Twitter.

​

At 2:45 AM this statement was posted on the blog along with this addendum:

On Wednesday, May 13, modified Amtrak service will be provided between Washington and Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and New York and Boston. There will be no Amtrak service between New York and Philadelphia, but New Jersey Transit will honor Amtrak tickets between New York City and Trenton.Other Amtrak Service between New York and Albany-Rensselaer; New Haven and Springfield, Mass., and other points will operate.

Additional updates will be provided when available.

 

[mflsjhs]

has anybody given an idea of how long the PHL-NYP section of the NEC will be down?

 

[cirdan]

I enjoy how they refer to the engine as 'the front car with the wind shield"

better than calling the caboose I suppose.

 

[mlhughes0522]

Here is what I think amtrak going do today

Due to NEC shutdown PHI-NYP

Amtrak 80/79 will run CLT-RMT on 5/13

Amtrak 80 depart CLT 7:00a arrives RMT 11:52a

Amtrak 79 depart RMT 3:11p arrives CLT 8:12p

Amtrak 90/89 will run SAV-RMT on 5/13

Amtrak 90 depart SAV 8:20a arrives RMT 2:52p

Amtrak 89 depart RMT 3:30p arrives SAV 10:05p 1hr 6mins late

NEC Va

174 Norfolk,va - Washington,dc

94 Newport News,va- Washington,DC

86 Richmond,va-Washington,dc

84 Richmond,va-Washington,dc

66 Newport News,va-Washington,dc

67 Washington,dc-newport news,va

93 washington,dc-Richmond,va

85 Washington,dc-Richmond,va

95 Washington,dc-Newport news,va

125 Washington,dc-Norfolk,va

176 Lynchburg,va-Washington,dc

171 Washington,dc-Lynchburg,va

Amtrak 20 New Orleans-Washington then bus service to New York

Amtrak 19 Washington-New Orleans bus service from New York depart 1hr late

Amtrak 92 /98 Florida - Washington then bus service to New York

Amtrak 91/97 Washington-Florida bus service New York to Washington depart 1hr late

 

[The Davy Crockett]

Let the "If I ran the railroad" speculation begin. hboy:

 

[The Davy Crockett]

I just love how you now have to be a TWITterer to find out the status of things. :blink:

 

[Ryan]

has anybody given an idea of how long the PHL-NYP section of the NEC will be down?

Many days. Lots to clean up and rebuild, and they can't start until the NTSB says so.

A NEC engineer I know says they crew is all alive, for a tiny sliver of good news.

 

[user 1215]

Just woke up to this and read through all the posts. What a tragedy! I, too, thought that full PTC was implemented in the NEC. Don't know why I thought that, other than I believed it was a requirement for 150 mph corridors (regardless of the 50 mph curve where this incident happened).

I, for one, am intrigued by the various speculations. Throw out all the theories, then throw away the bad ones. I read yesterday Isis was planning an attack somewhere to make Americans think. This is the exact forum to discuss and dismiss.

As for the media, Fox is no different than the others. All have ***** talking heads, all speak to a kindergarten IQ, and all sometimes get parts right.

This will be a long investigation. Amtrak and the travelling public will be better from this. There will be improvements made wherever discrepancies are found.

 

[Ryan]

First daylight picture I've seen. The leftmost catenary support looks bent over, particularly on the left side, with no obvious (to me) cause...