Re: What is Known So Far -- Nothing final for sure
Author: BOB2
Date: 09-14-2013 - 15:58
Was the locomotive attached to the runaway cut? Or was it disconnected? It hasn't been very clear from most of the reporting. Is there a source on that somewhere?
The speed at derailment should be easily calculated using a little Newtonian math, and I suspect that will be coming soon from the highly competent investigative team. And, if the locomotive wasn't attached (Again, I've still heard no solid confirmation, and, I have also not seen any engines in debris photos?), then it's not going to answer the speed question, regardless of the power configuration.
As for the actions off the fire fighters, I still don't have enough information to place any direct or indirect responsibilities on them. And, I only identified that as a possible explanation or scenario that "could" be a possible factor. But, there are some inconsistencies to be resolved, and certainly procedural issue to be addressed with the fire response. I suspect, at a minimum, there will be plenty of "public safety agency "directives" to wait for the RR guys to show up and take charge, before leaving future rail related "emergencies".