摘要: |
On Monday, March 12, 2007, at 7 a.m., CSX Transportation mixed freight train Q 310-10, consisting of 3 locomotives and 78 cars (77 loads and 1 empty), operating eastbound on main track 2 at milepost QC 266 on the Albany Division Mohawk Subdivision in Oneida, New York, Madison County, at a recorded speed of 47 mph, derailed 29 cars (the 25th thru 53rd head end). The method of operation is by signal indications of a Traffic Control System (tracks signaled in both directions). 22 of the derailed cars contained hazardous material as follows; 19 Liquified Propane Gas, 1 Ferric Chloride, 1 Butane, and 1 Toluene. It was estimated that within 2 minutes from the initial derailment that 4 of the LPG cars were breached, vented, and eventually exploded. The Oneida Fire Chief initially ordered a one mile evacuation around the area which involved 200 residents and was later reduced in the afternoon to a half mile and involved approximately 17 residents which remained evacuated until 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007. The New York State Thruway was closed between exits 33 and 34A and all local roads around the derailment scene. Amtrak service was suspended and passengers were initially bussed between Syracuse and Rensselaer, NY. The weather at the time of the accident was 37F, under clear skies with a northwest wind of 5 mph. Damage was estimated at $2,071,596 and there were no injuries to the crew or nearby residents. The probable cause was a broken rail (Transverse Defect) which was located in the south rail left-hand stock rail in the 20 crossover switch (1B) on track two, a trailing point move for the eastbound train. |