Hidden corrosion leads to bridge collapse and freight train derailment

摘要

Around 6. a.m. on January 27, 2009, the last six tank cars of a 10-car, dangerous-goods freight train derailed as the train crossed a metal railroad under-bridge south of Stewarton, Ayrshire, United Kingdom. The bridge (Bridge 88), which conveys the railway over Road A735, collapsed and the derailed tank cars overturned. The train was carrying a mixed consignment of gas oil, diesel, and kerosene to a fuel depot south of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. There were no casualties from the derailment; however, ~220,000 L of diesel and kerosene leaked from four of the derailed tank cars into waterways, causing severe environmental damage and localized fires.