by Gilbert B Norman
Based upon the Reuters report, I surmised that Casselton was a 'rerun of Red Oak' where one train rear-ended another resulting in crew fatalities. In that incident it certainly appears a PTC system could have avoided such from occurring.
However, based upon the BNSF statement, it now appears that PTC would have had no effect upon Casselton.
But what is troubling is that for all the ways that Megantic could be dismissed - it was hot; the road was such a shoestring operation they had no business handling crude - but the stuff has now gone BOOM on a well-managed, well-maintained Class I property with operations under US jurisdiction - and in frigid cold weather. It appears that additional operating practices beyond those relating to the tie-down of unattended trains, will have to be reviewed and delineated Rules will have to be promulgated to cover any revisions.
Finally, at Casselton, let us all be thankful that there were no reported personal injuries, and that there are sufficient resources to satisfy any legitimate claimant.
However, based upon the BNSF statement, it now appears that PTC would have had no effect upon Casselton.
But what is troubling is that for all the ways that Megantic could be dismissed - it was hot; the road was such a shoestring operation they had no business handling crude - but the stuff has now gone BOOM on a well-managed, well-maintained Class I property with operations under US jurisdiction - and in frigid cold weather. It appears that additional operating practices beyond those relating to the tie-down of unattended trains, will have to be reviewed and delineated Rules will have to be promulgated to cover any revisions.
Finally, at Casselton, let us all be thankful that there were no reported personal injuries, and that there are sufficient resources to satisfy any legitimate claimant.