Gates down; truck on tracks says NTSB of Amtrak Virginia accident

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
image description
National Transportation Safety Board

A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says a refuse truck was on the grade crossing after gates were lowered when it was hit by Special Amtrak Train 923 in Crozet, Va.

NTSB’s preliminary report says the crossing was active and equipped with crossbuck signs, warning lights, bells and gates. Data extracted from the locomotive’s forward-facing track camera showed that as the crossing came into view, the gates were down and the refuse truck was on the grade crossing. NTSB reports that witnesses to the crash reported that the refuse truck entered the crossing after the gates were down.

The accident resulted in the death of one of the refuse truck’s passengers and the derailment of the trains lead locomotive.

Preliminary information from the train’s onboard recorder indicates that the Amtrak train was traveling about 61 mph when the engineer applied emergency braking. The train struck the left rear of the refuse truck, causing the truck to rotate counterclockwise and then collide with a railroad signal bungalow next to the tracks on the southwest side of Lanetown Road. The refuse body separated from the truck and the truck’s two passengers were ejected. The truck came to rest off the southwest edge of Lanetown Road.

NTSB said its investigators continue to examine issues related to the highway–railroad grade crossing. Investigators are also coordinating additional passenger and witness interviews and continue to gather information related to motor carrier operations, rail operations, and driver and train crew experience. All aspects of the crash remain under investigation while the NTSB determines the probable cause, with the intent of issuing safety recommendations to prevent similar crashes.

Tags:

Media