WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board is looking at Norfolk Southern rules, procedures, and crew training relating to train handling as it continues its investigation into the collision and derailment involving three trains that occurred March 2 in Lower Saucon Township, Pa., according to the preliminary investigation report issued today (Tuesday, March 26).
The preliminary report establishes basic facts and is subject to change; conclusions as to probable cause will not be released until a final report is issued, which can take up to two years.
The incident began at 7:11 a.m. when intermodal train 268H429, with two locomotives and 39 intermodal cars en route from Landers, Ill., to Elizabeth, N.J., stopped on Main Track 2, was struck from behind by eastbound train 24XH101, an intermodal train with three locomotives and 27 cars en route from Atlanta to Croxton, N.J. Three cars that derailed as result of that collision fouled the adjacent Main Train 1, and were struck less than a minute later by westbound manifest freight 19GH501. That train, bound from Croxton to Enola, Pa., had two lead locomotives, a distributed power unit, and 199 railcars. Two locomotives and six cars of that train derailed, with the locomotives partially entering the Lehigh River and leaking fuel into the river [see “Three-train NS accident in Pennsylvania …,” Trains News Wire, March 2, 2024].
Seven crew members were transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released; NS estimated damage at $2.5 million. Train 24XH101, which had proceeded through a signal requiring it to operate at restricted speed, was traveling about 13 mph at the time of the initial collision; train 19GH501, which had no restriction, was traveling about 22 mph at the time of the second collision. The NTSB’s on-scene investigation included interviews, inspection of locomotives and railcars, tests and data downloads from positive train control and signal systems, and collection of data from radio logs, locomotive event recorders, and onboard cameras.
A Three Body Problem…
Did 24X actually stop at a red signal protecting 268 (an intermediate signal?) before initiating running at restricted speed? Was there insufficient visibility at that location for 24X to be operating at 13 mph (ie below the 20mph upper limit of restricted speed definition) and be able to stop within half the distance to train 268’s marker?