Stack train was going 64 mph when it slammed into tractor trailer carrying Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains. Sign-up for email today! The Dec. A review of one of the locomotive data recorders showed the train had been moving at 68 mph before the crew initiated an emergency brake application shortly before the collision.
The maximum authorized track speed in the area is 70 mph. The load, a demethanizer tower used in the oil and gas industry, was being transported from Houston to Mentone, Texas, a town in the Permian Basin oil patch 23 miles north of Pecos.
The tower was 12 feet wide, feet long, and weighed 91, pounds, the NTSB said. As a result of the 5 p. Operations of moving stuff this big typically have a lot of pre-planning, which would include grade crossing coordination. Even had a pic of the discussed move crossing a RR track. It was posted in early Nov as I recall. Within a couple of days of Pecos they took it down⦠Mr. Shingley, no they were not on the wrong road or trying to back up. The speed of these loads is very slow.
When a load slows more when crossing a RR which is prudent the load cannot clear in the time from activation of gates till train passes. Oversize loads need to be required to talk to the RR before crossing RR. That should be required of the front escort. The front escort should have each crossing ID and telephone number to call. Call a few minutes before reaching RR and get clearance to cross RR. Dispatch can easily set the crossing as fouled until escort call back or dispatch can call in case no call back.
If stalled on crossing gives RR time for a quick inspection of the track. Maybe the transport companies need to hire someone who is RR qualified. Requirements for these type of movements to be stopped and railroad dispatch contacted for approval to either cross or wait should be mandatory of all main line rail lines. Worst case is the truck might have to wait minutes for the train to pass.
