UP train derails in county where most U.S. derailments have happened since 2019
Written by RT&S Staff
Union Pacific
A Union Pacific train derailed in San Bernardino County, Calif., on March 21, and the area could be considered the most dangerous when it comes to these types of rail accidents in the country.
A total of 13 railcars and three locomotives derailed near 5th and K streets in Colton, and a contractor who was assisting with the cleanup effort was injured. Some of the cars were carrying timber and one railcar caught on fire.
According to NBC 4 out of Los Angeles, San Bernardino County has been the spot of several derailments over the last few years. The number of derailments has increased 42% between 2019 and 2020 while those types of accidents have declined across the country. Between 2020 and 2021, NBC 4 said the number of derailments in San Bernardino County did go down, but it was still higher than the national average. Switching issues and failure to control are the leading causes of the accidents.
Both Union Pacific and the Federal Railroad Administration are investigating the derailment.
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