So I'm trying to figure out which operating rules applied to this situation. I'm a non-rail foamer interested in finding out what happened, not whose fault it was. As far as I understand it, signals were out of service due to maintenance. NORAC Rules 241 and 242 seem to apply if signals are out of service. If the conductor was in the cab copying warrants, this might be consistent with this. Rule 242 says if there is no indication, a signal must be interpreted as being the most restrictive, and Rule 241 would tell the crew to call the dispatcher and get authorization to proceed. Dispatcher must check and be sure, among other things, that all switches are properly lined, and if he doesn't know, route must be inspected. Once I rode Amtrak to San Diego with signals out of service due to a power outage, and the train clearly operated at reduced speed. From the extent of the damage, it doesn't seem as though the Amtrak train was operating at a reduced speed, and it doesn't look like the route had been properly inspected.

Can anyone confirm, correct, or clarify? I am talking about applicable rules and clear photographic evidence, not trying to troll or speculate.