Re: Metrolink and freight train collision - Chatsworth CA
Author: SP5103
Date: 09-12-2008 - 22:16
Assuming both engineers saw each other at the same time and went into emergency, there is a good chance the Metrolink was stopped or close to it before impact. Passenger trains have a much higher braking ratio than freight equipment - especially if cars were loaded.
My guess is that the freight punched the Metrolink engine back into the first car, by a combination of greater speed and far more mass behind it. Remember the BNSF vs Metrolink head on a few years ago? A security camera at a self storage caught the Metrolink train being hit and shoved backwards several car lengths. Also looks similiar to what happened about 2004 when the El Centro hauler hit a parked train due to a switch left open at Calipatria.
More than likely somebody got past a signal. I wonder how far back the rear two Metrolink cars went back after impact?
Sad news regardless.