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Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist
UPDATE 7:48 p.m. Conflicting reports cite different numbers for current confirmed fatalities; KABC referenced an Associated Press report giving the estimated number of deaths as 20, whereas the Daily News reports 15. Currently the worst Metrolink accident on record involved 11 fatalities; as rescue operations continue, and possibly convert to recovery operations, into the night today's collision may become the worst Metrolink accident in the commuter rail's history.
UPDATE 7:13 p.m. The major rescue operation continues, as Metrolink spokeswoman Denise Tyrrell says there are still victims needing to be removed from the overturned passenger car. At least 70 injuries have been reported, and it is possible that there are now 7 fatalities in this tragedy. An urban search-and-rescue team has been on scene for some time now to aid in the rescue operations. Many people who live or were pursuing recreational activities in the area remain stuck near the accident scene because their vehicles are blocked by emergency vehicles. There has been no information released regarding the status of people on board the Union Pacific freight train. Family members who believe a relative was on board may call 800-371-5465 for information, but Tyrrell stresses that this number is ONLY for family members.
*UPDATE: 6:19 p.m. KABC is reporting that there are 6 fatalities thus far. Rescuers are still removing people from the train. In an unrelated event, a Metrolink train in Corona struck a vehicle that did not leave the track in time just after 5 this afternoon, and there was one fatality in that incident.
Rescue personnel are still in the process of assisting people involved in this afternoon's Metrolink train derailment. Triage areas are set up near the scene in Chatsworth as people continue to be assessed and aided following the collision that took place at 4:23 this afternoon when Metrolink #111 struck or was struck by a freight train. 4 people are reported dead, and many more have been injured. A SigAlert has been issued for the area as well, and Metrolink and emergency personnel are asking that people not attempt to go to the scene themselves.
Photo by Zach Behrens/LAist
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If you want to see all coverage from the accident site, check http://yeson91.net/situationroom/ where I've placed all six streams on one page.
This is what happens when you have freight trains, Amtrak, and a commuter train, serving one of the biggest metropolitan areas and the biggest port in the United States, share one track.
Syringe Mouth:
This was a human error type of accident. The UP Freight was exactly where it was supposed to be. Metrolink #111 either was not held for the freight in front, as it normally would at the passing tracks at the Chatsworth Metrolink Station, by either an error from the Metrolink dispatcher or a mistake by the engineer. That will come out in the forthcoming investigation.
Some very basic railroad rules went very wrong.
Do you make the same type of comments every time there is a tragic traffic accident?
Absolutely un-necessary. If the FRA would buck up and mandate PTC... these 10-20 some people would be able to go home to their families. Ridiculous!
Bart Reed:
"Some very basic railroad rules went very wrong." You are correct.
Technology that was available 20 years ago could have prevented this from happening. An auto accident is much different... there are not fixed guide ways for the vehicles to travel on - and as such there many more variables to consider. As I said earlier... if the FRA would require railroads to implement existing technology - this accident would not have happened. Instead, they bow to the railroads who complain about the excessive expense.
Some rules obviiously were violated. Commuter taking siding did not have signals so red was run. They say he may have been using his cell phone. All major railroads have specific rules against or governing that. The bigger fear is how passenger and freight railroads are all pushing for 1 man crews. Be afraid because they keep pushing for this. The engineer in this case was a subcontracted scab employee, I am sure the FRA will look hard at his history, qualifications AND training. Improper or under training often is a mitigating factor in derailment incidents, as is fatigue. I'm a through freight Engineer for Union Pacific, this is a nightmare scenario.