Amtrak accident Chester PA

[philabos]

Two fatalities reported when an Amtrak train struck a back hoe near Chester PA on the Northeast Corridor this morning. Engine reportedly derailed and several windows broken out of lead coach.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...p-table-main_grid-amtrak-953am:homepage/story

 

[superalbs]

Not a good day for train incidents!

 

[philabos]

Photo taken today

http://www.trbimg.com/img-57014608/turbine/ct-amtrak-derailment-20160403-006/1550/1550x872

 

[Groningen]

The 2 operators on the backhoe were killed; no one on the Amtraktrain. Looks like a machine that replaces old stones on the tracks with new stuff.

 

[NY Yankee]

There was a miscommunication. The track workers where on the track when they were supposed to be off the tracks to allow the train to pass.

 

[philabos]

Too early to tell exactly how this happened at this point.
Apparently investigation focused on communication between dispatcher and Maintenance supervisor. If the track was not shunted, and the train had a clear signal, the train speed would have been appropriate.
http://www.philly.com/philly/busine...d_to_follow_safety_rules_in_Amtrak_crash.html