An interesting report on KING-TV Channel 5 in Seattle this evening strongly suggests that rail grinding trains may be wreaking havoc in Washington State and elsewhere.
Tonight's broadcast was the first of an investigation into the legal liability BNSF may face in view of more than 60 suspect fires attributed to rail grinding operations, shown on this fire summary as "Track Maintenance" being the source of ignition.
At least one fire resulted in the death of a farmer, trapped by a wall of flame that surrounded his tractor as he worked a field. The fire was allegedly ignited by a passing grinding operation.
Do you have a story about a fire allegedly ignited by a passing ginder train?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Deadly Rail Grinders
Index: Auburn, Rail Grinding, Speno, Speno Rail Grinding Train
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Hi Robert,
Not only are Speno/Loram making an effort to contain fires (water cars and hoses used in the consist), but recently they have had a contractor follow the train with a water truck. Of course they can always do better, and no-one wants any kind of accident or worse to occur.
I was surprised one night to see CN intermodal freight trains passing the grinding train at speed.
I'm never surprised when the local F.D. gets called out, whenever grinding is taking place, for a "train on fire", usually called in by motorists on adjacent roads. I've idly wondered if the railway should give notice to emergency services in the jurisdictions where grinding is occurring.
Eric
Last time a railgrinder came through here, I had to call the fire department, as the grinder was long gone, but there was a pretty good tire fire. Fire crew came by and we (I was there watching) put it out. They said the railroad would be billed accordingly.
Dan
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