The attitude of some railroaders that it is none of the public's business is troubling. The NTSB is NOT a private company. It is a government operation ... and it being a government operation it is accountable to the people. And when trains are operated unsafely it affects more than just the railroad and their employees and families. It disrupts the communities the railroads run though. If you want to run your damn trains filled with hazardous materials through our towns be prepared to answer to the people who may (or may not) let you do that. And please, stop trying to discourage the people who are most likely to support your railroad's desires.
The biggest problem is when NEITHER side shows respect for the other. As a fan I'll do what I can to show respect, but if you fail to respect those who are interested in your industry to hell with your railroad - and your job if you work for one. I don't see any reason to support an industry that is not friendly to the public.
Fortunately most railroaders I have met have shown respect ... and I am happy to respect them. (quote)
Nobody is disrespecting anybody. Determining the cause or solution to any accident is not an easy chore. It is often not possible to present a preliminary finding when there are so many factors at work. What was destroyed that may have contributed to, or caused, the accident? One must tally any or all known eyewitnesses and sift their stories because they will likely be different due to different perspectives, different angles of view. There's so many factors involved that, while to the non-expert viewer, demanding an answer "RIGHT NOW" is likely premature. Too much rides upon the results. It also has LEGAL consequences if the answers are wrong. People today are ITCHING to file lawsuits, sitting as they do like buzzards awaiting a feast. False information, premature determinations can cause reversals of court decisions if the results are wrong and awards are made based upon them. Suits can result in counter-suits that would continue for decades if the info is inaccurate. Who wants that? Sure, there IS a reluctance to divulge info, but it will released to the people who have business knowing, not to Joe Blow who has no dog in that fight, only "his public interest as a citizen of a town, etc"
People in ALL facets of accident investigation from the companies, the military, to the government have standing orders to keep your damn mouth shut, refer the matter to the public affairs officer, do NOT talk to ANYBODY about the incident--only to those who are authorized.
Besides what's the hurry? Is YOUR "interest" a direct one, or are you an "armchair quarterback" kibbutzing the game? Rail buffs are just THAT"- KIbbutzers. They have nothing to do with the matter at hand, but they sure will be found at a derailment offering their "expert" advice on what happened!
They "know": they read all about it in "Trains" magazine! LOL! Just like all those macho guys at the office water fountain after last Sunday's game. "He should've done this--he should've done that!" They'd win the game single-handedly to hear them tell it. HA! If they are so "expert" then why were THEY not selected to scrimmage? They don't GET it!' LMAO!
When the time is right, when all the facts are in, NTSB will release their findings.
GF