Located about 46 miles west of Altoona on the Pittsburgh Division; 6-track mainline with ABS and MBS rules + cab signals.
PASSENGER EXTRA 962 (11 Express cars + caboose) received train order authority to operated against the current of traffic and a "Clear Block".
Unfortunately, the operator at the next tower west mistakenly allowed EXTRA 6935 EAST (41 cars + caboose) to depart via the track on which X 962 had authority to operate.
Impact speeds were approximately 50+mph for X962 and 25mph for X6935. Both engine crews were killed, and both locomotives and tenders along with 12 cars were derailed. Sight distance at the point of collision was less than 1000' due to curvature and a roadside embankment.
PASSENGER EXTRA 962 (11 Express cars + caboose) received train order authority to operated against the current of traffic and a "Clear Block".
Unfortunately, the operator at the next tower west mistakenly allowed EXTRA 6935 EAST (41 cars + caboose) to depart via the track on which X 962 had authority to operate.
Impact speeds were approximately 50+mph for X962 and 25mph for X6935. Both engine crews were killed, and both locomotives and tenders along with 12 cars were derailed. Sight distance at the point of collision was less than 1000' due to curvature and a roadside embankment.