Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety Headquarters Assigned Accident Investigation Report HQ-2006-35, Allegheny Valley Railroad Company (AVR)/Amtrak (ATK), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 25, 2006

摘要

An eastbound Allegheny Valley Railroad (AVR) freight train collided with the rear of a standing Amtrak (ATK) passenger train at the Pittsburgh Station (Pittsburgh, PA) on May 25, 2006, at 4:10 a.m., EDST. The eastbound ATK train had stopped to board/de-board passengers and change operating crew. The accident occurred at NS Milepost PT 353.2, on the NS Pittsburgh Division, Pittsburgh Line and no cars were derailed. The AVR train entered the main track 1.9 miles prior to the point of impact, following the passenger train eastward. The AVR train entered Pittsburgh Station on a restricted signal, traveling at an estimated 10 miles per hour. The bell was ringing and the engineer was sounding the horn. On sight of the Amtrak train ahead, the engineer initiated an emergency brake application but was unable to stop the train before impact. The Amtrak train consisted of 2 locomotives, 9 passenger cars and 2 loaded express cars on the rear. Event recorder information from the Amtrak locomotives indicate that the Amtrak train was shoved a distance of 12 feet. At the time of the incident, 3 passengers were transported to local hospitals. As a result of the collision, two railroad employee injuries have been reported and 5 passenger injuries. A total of 10 (various) passenger claims have been submitted. The AVR train consisted of a locomotive and 12 loaded cars, including 6 cars containing hazardous material on the rear. There was neither damage nor release of any hazardous material. All shipping papers were in order. There was no evacuation; no damage to track, signals or structures; and equipment damages were set at $500. Post accident testing indicates no evidence of mechanical or signal failure. At the time of the collision it was dark, and the weather was 55DGF and clear. The AVR crew was taken to Allegheny General Hospital for Post Accident Subpart C Drug and Alcohol Testing. Both the engineer and the conductor had 24 hours rest prior to reporting for duty. The accident was caused by failure of the AVR crew to comply with requirements of restricted speed. The AVR engineer and conductor have been dismissed.