Amtrak derailment (1 Viewer)

[Jules Winnfield]

Train was going 100 mph in a 50 mph turn.

damn. so driver error? that's the final or latest word?

like others, we're on that route every couple months.

is there a car that's worse than others in general on trash crashes? the first car?

For the last 3 train crashes it looks like the front is the bad car. I usually try to sit directly behind the bar car. I may move back further in the future.

I was surprised the engine was sitting upright and that the conductor even survived.

Former congressman Patrick Murphy was on the train and he called in to radio this morning. He was still shaken up talking about it, said he came out of it lucky with just a cut and some bruises. But was aiding 2 people that were seriously hurt just a few seats away from him. Scary story he told.

CNN had pictures that he took on the train after the accident that showed how awful it was inside the train

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Gonna take awhile to figure out where everyone is. There's the chance that those who were on the manifesto never got on the train, and they are trying to find those who walked away, who may still be trapped... I'd be surprised it the death toll stays at 7. :(

Serious question.After an accident of this severity, is it possible someone walks out with amnesia from a blow to the head or in such shock and just walks away and today might be in a motel or diner somewhere?

Seems like an episode for a tv show but could it happen?

 

[TheIronSheik]

Gonna take awhile to figure out where everyone is. There's the chance that those who were on the manifesto never got on the train, and they are trying to find those who walked away, who may still be trapped... I'd be surprised it the death toll stays at 7. :(

Serious question.After an accident of this severity, is it possible someone walks out with amnesia from a blow to the head or in such shock and just walks away and today might be in a motel or diner somewhere?

Seems like an episode for a tv show but could it happen?

I think I remember reading somewhere that the amnesia we see on movies and TV is nothing like the amnesia in real life. And the situation you describe would fall into the former, not the latter.

 

[culdeus]

What speculations is CNN running with?

 

[TheIronSheik]

What speculations is CNN running with?

They think the train engine could be somewhere in Kazakhstan.

 

[El Floppo]

What speculations is CNN running with?

They think the train engine could be somewhere in a black hole in Kazakhstan. eta: **BREAKING NEWS. the cafe car is not the bar car.**

 

[Nick Vermeil]

What speculations is CNN running with?

They think the train engine could be somewhere in a black hole in Kazakhstan. eta: **BREAKING NEWS. the cafe car is not the bar car.**

THEY SELL BOOZE!*

*It's the bar car.

 

[culdeus]

Calling it, the guy fell asleep and laid on the throttle.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Calling it, the guy fell asleep and laid on the throttle.

Yeah, this would probably be my guess, too.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

 

[urbanhack]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

http://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-reject-pennsylvania-congressmans-proposed-increase-amtraks-funding-1920567

 

[Nick Vermeil]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

When the LIRR Metro North jumped the tracks (was that last year?) on a similar curve at high speed, there was talk that they do have systems that can slow a train automatically at dangerous turns. There is no excuse not to have them other than money.

 

[TheIronSheik]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

http://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-reject-pennsylvania-congressmans-proposed-increase-amtraks-funding-1920567

Ah, yes. Blaming it on a single party. Nice.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Mrs. SLB and me took Amtrak to Milwaukee last summer and it was AWESOME. Amtrak is now my preferred way to travel if it isn't too far. I want to punch all of the talking heads in the anus though that keep suggesting the reason that people died is because everybody isn't strapped in.

 

[urbanhack]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

http://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-reject-pennsylvania-congressmans-proposed-increase-amtraks-funding-1920567

Ah, yes. Blaming it on a single party. Nice.

Just saying Amtrak is never going to get the money it needs to be a progressive transportation system. What's your problem?

 

[Limp Ditka]

Mrs. SLB and me took Amtrak to Milwaukee last summer and it was AWESOME. Amtrak is now my preferred way to travel if it isn't too far. I want to punch all of the talking heads in the anus though that keep suggesting the reason that people died is because everybody isn't strapped in.

Keep in mind that this probably isn't a deterrent to Don Lemon

 

[joetrow]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

It really is a good idea. From what I understand airline pilots generally don't pilot airplanes, and that something similar is used to pilot them. I have to imagine it makes economical sense to implement such a thing because someone has to pay for the injuries, funerals, cleanups, and new train cars. Maybe it is an idea the insurers who insure the railroad industry has not thought of.

 

[Billy Bats]

7 now confirmed dead. Train was going twice the speed limit through that turn. Can't wait to hear wtf the conductor was doing instead of driving the train.

Sumwalt said if Amtrak's Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement, which is installed throughout most of the Northeast Corridor, would have slowed the train. However, it is not installed in the area of the crash.

He says had ACSE been installed, this crash would not have occurred.

http://6abc.com/news/7-killed-in-philadelphia-amtrak-crash;-engineer-idd/718111/

 

[belljr]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

What happens if there is an emergency and you need to stop as suddenly as possible?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

What happens if there is an emergency and you need to stop as suddenly as possible?

You have some folks in a control room monitoring multiple trains and a few staff on each train who are trained in emergency procedures ie hitting a big red button that says "stop".

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

What happens if there is an emergency and you need to stop as suddenly as possible?

I'm not saying there shouldn't be a conductor. Of course a conductor would be there to stop if need be. But if there's a section of track where you know trains are going to derail above 50MPH, allowing an asleep conductor to go 110mph doesn't seem like it should be that hard to try to auto-correct.

 

[belljr]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

What happens if there is an emergency and you need to stop as suddenly as possible?

I'm not saying there shouldn't be a conductor. Of course a conductor would be there to stop if need be. But if there's a section of track where you know trains are going to derail above 50MPH, allowing an asleep conductor to go 110mph doesn't seem like it should be that hard to try to auto-correct.

ah gotcha.

 

[Dr Oadi]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

It's a money issue while republicans cut the funds more and more. Even after derailment disasters!

http://news.yahoo.com/house-gop-approves-cuts-amtrak-222245422.html

 

[Mr. Ected]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

My thought as well. These speed restricted turns are tracks. on a fixed point. We have GPS. There should be systems in place to prevent this. I realize it's a money issue and the implementation would take time, but it has to be much less of an effort than the clown car that is the TSA, right?

What happens if there is an emergency and you need to stop as suddenly as possible?

If MB can develop an auto that can drive across the country in varying vehicle traffic (driver JIC) without an accident, than they can do something similar for trains.

 

[JaxBill]

I get that it's most likely driver error but it seems irresponsible for the press to release the engineers picture. Just asking for a distraught family member to take matters into their own hands.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Apparently engineer can't remember what happened.

 

[CurlyNight]

Apparently engineer can't remember what happened.

Of course he can't until he is lawyered up.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Apparently engineer can't remember what happened.

Of course he can't until he is lawyered up.

His attorney reportedly told ABC News this.

https://gma.yahoo.com/amtrak-know-engineer-helm-derailed-train-205243925--abc-news-topstories.html

 

[CurlyNight]

The track lacked the automatic speed control system and Congress is mandating all railway systems implement this technology by end of year.

 

[Short Corner]

Having remote access to the controls of a train (or plane) makes sabotage more likely. It's not a money issue.

 

[jon_mx]

What speculations is CNN running with?

They think the train engine could be somewhere in Kazakhstan.

Luckily this did not happen in Malaysia. The train would never have been found.

 

[Billy Bats]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

 

[bushdocda]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

 

[johnnycakes]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

 

[Ned]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

Now imagine her saying this to one of the families that lost someone on that train yesterday. There's a time and a place...

 

[fred_1_15301]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

Yeah I can sort of understand her reaction although I can also understand why it would be perceived as extremely offensive. Put me in the camp of "I'll cut her some slack because she's just been through a horrific tragedy".

 

[VA703]

im pretty sure there are a few engineers on each train so i dont get how this guy was going so fast and nobody else did anything

 

[jon_mx]

Where's my violin dammit:

http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

Yeah I can sort of understand her reaction although I can also understand why it would be perceived as extremely offensive. Put me in the camp of "I'll cut her some slack because she's just been through a horrific tragedy".

It is about as bad as someone losing their house. It does not compare to losing a loved one, but it is still a traumatic loss for someone.

 

[jon_mx]

im pretty sure there are a few engineers on each train so i dont get how this guy was going so fast and nobody else did anything

It is OK to be going 100 mph is some places, just not the turns?

 

[TheIronSheik]

The track was scheduled to get the automated slowing down feature by year's end. Talk about poor timing.

I blame the Republicans. And Obama. And Bush. And Black Army Helicopters. Thanks a lot, guys.

 

[VA703]

im pretty sure there are a few engineers on each train so i dont get how this guy was going so fast and nobody else did anything

It is OK to be going 100 mph is some places, just not the turns?

that makes sense.. i didnt really realize how fast those trains go

 

[3C's]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

http://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-reject-pennsylvania-congressmans-proposed-increase-amtraks-funding-1920567

Ah, yes. Blaming it on a single party. Nice.

Just saying Amtrak is never going to get the money it needs to be a progressive transportation system. What's your problem?

One of my cousins, who is a train engineer (and leans left), shared this article. http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/30783-our-decrepit-rail-system-makes-another-amtrak-crash-more-likely#

 

[joffer]

Where's my violin dammit:http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

she could have gone about it a different way. i.e. NOT Twitter and NOT smarmy.

 

[rockaction]

Where's my violin dammit:http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

she could have gone about it a different way. i.e. NOT Twitter and NOT smarmy.

I'm not worked up about it, but that is a pretty ####ty tweet that indicates a whole host of issues that this person likely has.

 

[JaxBill]

The track was scheduled to get the automated slowing down feature by year's end. Talk about poor timing.

I blame the Republicans. And Obama. And Bush. And Black Army Helicopters. Thanks a lot, guys.

Now imagine the Army Helicopters are olive drab.

 

[Amused to Death]

It's 2015. I don't understand why we don't have trains that drive themselves. Being able to identify how fast they should go at what areas. Seems strange we still depend on a human to drive something that is on a track.

http://www.ibtimes.com/republicans-reject-pennsylvania-congressmans-proposed-increase-amtraks-funding-1920567

Ah, yes. Blaming it on a single party. Nice.

Just saying Amtrak is never going to get the money it needs to be a progressive transportation system. What's your problem?

One of my cousins, who is a train engineer (and leans left), shared this article. http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/30783-our-decrepit-rail-system-makes-another-amtrak-crash-more-likely#

Lack of investment in our infrastructure. Oh, and we need job creators. Ya think one might help the other? Just keep spending trillions on foreign wars.

 

[VA703]

according to his co-workers, the engineer may have fallen asleep due to working overtime. The regulations are that engineers aren't allowed to work beyond 8 hours but due to someone calling out sick, he had to work overtime

 

[Apple Jack]

Where's my violin dammit:http://www.inquisitr.com/2087086/amtrak-crash-survivor-tweets-about-lost-violin-outrage-ensues/

Holy ####

My daughter is a piano performance major at music school; she has a lot of musician friends, including violinists. That violinist was a professional violinist; I can guarantee you that was at least a $50k instrument and probably $100k+. And it's a very personal thing, tied directly to her livelihood. While it's "just an instrument" and not a person, I can understand her reaction to its loss. But then, I'm aspergian and don't really connect with "feelings" very well, anyhow.

she could have gone about it a different way. i.e. NOT Twitter and NOT smarmy.

I'm not worked up about it, but that is a pretty ####ty tweet that indicates a whole host of issues that this person likely has.

what kind of issues we talking, doc? jfc some people just have to be bothered at all times.

 

[TheIronSheik]

im pretty sure there are a few engineers on each train so i dont get how this guy was going so fast and nobody else did anything

It is OK to be going 100 mph is some places, just not the turns?

that makes sense.. i didnt really realize how fast those trains go

Yeah, I read that right before the curve the speed limit was 80 mph.