摘要: |
On February 8, 2007, at 5:40 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) a northbound CSX Transportation (CSX) freight Train Q28206 collided with a van at a highway-rail grade crossing in Thorsby, Alabama (AL). The accident occurred at CSX milepost (MP) 441.38 on the Atlanta Division, S&NA South Subdivision. This track segment runs from Birmingham, AL to Montgomery, AL. The method of operation is traffic control and the maximum authorized speed for freight trains is 50 miles per hour (mph). Train Q28206 was traveling northbound on the Atlanta division at 43 mph as it approached County Road 29 in Thorsby. The van was traveling eastward on County Road 29 and the train was operating northbound on the main track. The train impacted the van as it slowly crossed the highway rail crossing. As a result of the collision, four of the eight occupants were fatally injured. The remaining four, including the driver, sustained serious injuries. There were no injuries to the train crew. The van was totaled and the lead locomotive (CSX 7385) sustained only minor damage. No rail equipment derailed and there was no hazardous materials spilled. At the time of the accident, it was dark, cloudy with calm winds and the temperature was 37F. Probable cause: Highway user inattentiveness. |