Posted on 09/12/2008 4:48:21 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
Metro Link train in flames...dozens of ambulances en-route to the scene...
I would like to donate, but they don’t want my blood. Isn’t that the ultimate slap in the face? ;-)
Press conference now, mayor, LAFD, LAPD. Terminated rescue/recovery operation at 2:30. Deceased at the scene 24; others may have died at hospitals. Will turn the scene over to the NTSB later this afternoon.
Heartfelt prayers.
That’s what’s bothering me. Two minutes prior to the accident the train was stopped in Chatsworth picking up passengers. They don’t leave until the conductor gives the OK. Question - Does the conductor talk to dispatch to get the OK to proceed? If so, what did the dispatcher say (or not say)?
To the right of this picture, there is a row of homes, a short cul-de-sac and then 2 larger parcels, which are horse boarding ranches. The further ranch is about 600 feet from the tracks you see here.
I boarded 4 horses there before I moved in 1993 to N California. I rode across those tracks hundreds of times, going in and out of the ranch into the hills and up onto Oat Mountain trails.
This is a big mess. If riders hadn’t held the line for years to keep trails along the train tracks open, the FD and PD would have no place to work from.
My former Veternarian was in the area and came and volunteered with bandages, supplies and her vet assistant. Fireman wanted to know if she knew anything about broken bones. I am surprised she didn’t deck him. She has been a large animal vet for over 20 years.
Both
From the General Code of Operating Rules (applies to all Class A Railroads):
http://www.sdrm.org/faqs/rulebook/signals.html#5.0
5.16 Observe and Call Signals
Crew members in the engine control compartment must be alert for signals. As soon as signals become visible or audible, crew members must communicate clearly to each other the name or aspect of signals affecting their train. They must continue to observe signals and announce any change of aspect until the train passes the signal.
If the signal is not complied with promptly, other crew members must remind the engineer and/or conductor of the rule requirement. If the crew members receive no response or if the engineer is unable to respond, they must immediately take action to ensure safety, using the emergency brake valve to stop the train, if necessary.
Mayor says “Thank you” and turns to leave. Some aide says what about Spanish and he returns to the microphone and asks if we have Spanish cameras present. Apparently so as he’s now speaking to them in Spanish.
horse veterinarian went into treat patients”
DVM Marta Granstad from Simi.
Great vet. Used to be my vet before I moved out of the area.
She has appeared a few times on Animal Rescue when a horse has gotten trapped in the hills in the same area. One segment they have shown a couple of times that I have seen. The guy who rides the USC Traveler horse helped the rider/horse until LAFD and Marta could arrive and rescue both.
Cuz its no fun not seeing where you're going.
My Bro in law frequently commutes from Santa Barbara to the Disney plant. I wouldn't do it.
Even if an RTC tells the crew to proceed from a station, the crew must stop for a red (we don't really know if it was red or not, pending investigation).
Intermediate block signals are automatic and will remain red if the upcoming block is occupied. The RTC has no direct control over it.
The commuter train has next to no tonnage - could have stopped on a dime.
I feel real bad for the crew. They had a bad day. People make mistakes or miss things.
But they can't just blame the engineer.
Just as in the Navy, the captain is relieved of duty if the ship runs aground. Perhaps it was a sub-ordinate’s mistake, but it's his job to double check everything.
Prayers for the victims and their families.
I don’t dispute your assertion. What I do recognize is that there are times when these cars are filled to capacity and beyond, standing room only. With all the noise and ticket distractions, I don’t see how the Conductors could possibly comply with this requirement.
Sorry, isn’t there a conductor in the cab with the engineer? Perhaps these are solo operations? (Yikes)
I’m not well enough informed to clarify that issue. That whole freight train only had two men on board at the time of the accident. Both died.
I’m not sure of the crew on the Metrolink. Perhaps someone can explain that to us. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was only one Conductor on board, but there may have been several.
Whether one rides in the cab or not, I wouldn’t know either.
BTW, the conductor on the freight train was not in the cab with the engineer. I believe he was a few cars back.
The engineer was in car 3. The train was about half full. It’s a relaxing ride with most people taking naps typically.
I am very sorry. I hope his breaks can fully heal and that he will be walking again soonest. Did he sustain any other injuries?
I felt sick to my stomach this morning to hear that this was all due to human error. We all can make mistakes on the job, but this one was unforgivable.
Remarkable set of photos:
http://gallery.venturacountystar.com/slideShows/index.cfm?ssID=643&listPos=01
There’s an angel in the 12th one.
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