22 Years.
- Thread starter jonwray
- Start date
cascaderailroad
New member
It was caused by displacement of a span and deformation of the rails when a tow of heavy barges had collided with the bridge eight minutes earlier. Casualties were 47 killed and 103 injured. To date, it is the deadliest train wreck in Amtrak's history and at the time the worst rail disaster in the United States since the 1958 Newark Bay, New Jersey rail accident in which 48 lives were lost.
The Newark Bay rail accident occurred on September 15, 1958 in Newark Bay, New Jersey. A Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) morning commuter train, #3314, ran through a restrictive and a stop signal, derailed, and slid off the open Newark Bay lift bridge. Both diesel locomotives and the first two coaches plunged into Newark Bay and sank immediately, killing 48 people. A third coach, snagged by its rear truck (bogie), hung precariously off the lift bridge for two hours before it also toppled into the water. As the locomotive crew was killed, the cause of the accident was not determined, but a medical emergency in the cab was theorized.
The Newark Bay rail accident occurred on September 15, 1958 in Newark Bay, New Jersey. A Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) morning commuter train, #3314, ran through a restrictive and a stop signal, derailed, and slid off the open Newark Bay lift bridge. Both diesel locomotives and the first two coaches plunged into Newark Bay and sank immediately, killing 48 people. A third coach, snagged by its rear truck (bogie), hung precariously off the lift bridge for two hours before it also toppled into the water. As the locomotive crew was killed, the cause of the accident was not determined, but a medical emergency in the cab was theorized.
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amrail2000
GONE AND FORGOTTEN
The Engineer, (Brooks Woodward) was a damn good friend of mine. Being with CSX Police at the time, I was brought in to work the scene.
TheWaluigiKing
Trainz Ninja
I remember watching the seconds from disaster documentary about this derailment.
It's rather sad that it could have been avoided.
It's rather sad that it could have been avoided.
stevelerro
Owner of K&L Trainz
Because the death toll was so high, this accident resulted in a change in policies regarding chartered trains on CSX tracks. These changes ultimately lead to the end to all Steam Excursions on CSX's trackage.
The operator of the tug that hit the bridge did not know how to operate and tune the radar so it was basically useless to him. A finely tuned radar in calm condition can pick up seagulls and logs up to a half mile away.
As a result of this accident, all holders of a USCG deck officers license, i.e. Captains, mates, pilots, have to have with them at all times (when at work) a Radar Endorsement proving that they have completed a five day original Unlimited Radar Observer or eight hour renewal course. This has to be renewed every five years. Without this endorsement your USCG license is not valid.
http://www.gcwriters.org/destruction_of_amtrak.htm
http://www.ntsb.gov/Investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/RAR9401.aspx
As a result of this accident, all holders of a USCG deck officers license, i.e. Captains, mates, pilots, have to have with them at all times (when at work) a Radar Endorsement proving that they have completed a five day original Unlimited Radar Observer or eight hour renewal course. This has to be renewed every five years. Without this endorsement your USCG license is not valid.
http://www.gcwriters.org/destruction_of_amtrak.htm
http://www.ntsb.gov/Investigations/AccidentReports/Pages/RAR9401.aspx