Dispatching errors and system failures led to a tragic Union Pacific train crash in Southern California two years ago, resulting in the deaths of an engineer and a conductor, as per a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released on Thursday. The incident occurred near the Salton Sea in September 2022.
The NTSB's final report revealed that mistakes by dispatchers in Omaha headquarters caused the train to collide with 75 parked railcars. Dispatchers overlooked warnings and overrode crew alerts about the parked cars, ultimately directing the train into the occupied siding.
Union Pacific took responsibility for the incident and implemented significant safety measures post-crash. Changes included enhancing communication between departments regarding stored cars and updating the dispatch system to prevent similar errors in the future.
Following the California crash, concerns about railroad safety have heightened nationwide. Recent incidents, such as the Norfolk Southern train derailment in Ohio, have underscored the importance of stringent safety protocols in the industry.
The train involved in the California crash was a 7,368-foot long unit with locomotives at both ends. Tragically, the crew in the rear locomotives lost their lives as the train backed into the parked railcars.
An electronic detection system on the tracks, designed to prevent such accidents, failed due to rust accumulation on the track and wheels of the parked cars. This rust caused intermittent issues, leading to inconsistencies in the system's operation.
Furthermore, Union Pacific's safety rules regarding mechanical locking of switches for tracks with long-term stored railcars were not followed at the location of the crash. The NTSB found lapses in applying necessary safety measures to protect the parked cars.
Post-incident, Union Pacific revised its protocols to enhance safety. Dispatchers are now required to collaborate with field managers to confirm the duration of railcar storage and ensure tracks are removed from service if cars will be parked for more than 10 days.
In conclusion, the California train crash highlighted the critical need for adherence to safety regulations in the railroad industry. Union Pacific's proactive steps post-incident aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
