Freight train derails west of Tehachapi

[CHamilton]

Freight train derails west of Tehachapi

A freight car lies on its side below the track following derailment of seven cars about four miles west of Tehachapi on Tuesday morning, Dec. 10. Tehachapi News photo

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train has derailed about four miles west of Tehachapi....

The train appeared to be westbound and the engine of the train had emerged from one tunnel while the end of the train was through another tunnel to the east and three railcars were sideways across the track while another had fallen completely off the track.

Train tracks in the area hug the side of the mountain just south of the Highway 58 through the Tehachapi Pass. The area of the derailment was about eight miles east of the famous Tehachapi Loop.

Henning said about 200 feet of track were damaged in the derailment. About a 70-foot length of track was lying mangled down the side of the mountain below the railbed.

 

[Blackwolf]

Well, that'll ruin UP's and BNSF's holidays!

Anyone interested in a wager that this will be cleaned up and in the history books within 24-36 hours?

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Wonder if they'll reroute to the coast line and clog it for Metrolink and Amtrak.

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Not a major update, but this story from the Bakersfield Californian does have more photos in its gallery, and a video of the derailment scene:

Freight train derails west of Tehachapi -- includes link to map graphic.

Viewers may be required to answer a question to click through to the article (no registration necessary).

Also a TV news report - with a map - from KERO 23 in Bakersfield: http://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/freight-train-accident-reported-tuesday-morning-near-tehachapi-121013

The train is said to be carrying auto parts, with no hazmats aboard.

BTW, snow in California is not unusual this time of year.

 

[ALC Rail Writer]

Hard to tell what happened from the pictures, looks like one just decided to tip over and then the cars behind it jackknifed.