National Transportation Safety Board Railroad Accident Report: Derailment ofAmtrak Train 4, Southwest Chief, on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Near Kingman, Arizona, August 9, 1997

摘要

About 5:56 a.m. on August 9, 1997, National Railroad Passenger Corporation(Amtrak) train 4, the Southwest Chief, derailed on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway 'hump' in the track as they approached bridge 504.IS. The train derailed as it crossed the bridge. Subsequent investigation revealed that the ground under the bridge's supporting structure had been washed away by a flash flood. One hundred seventy-three passengers and 10 Amtrak employees were injured. No fatailities resulted. Damages totaled about $7.2 million. The major safety issues discussed in this report are: safety of structures subject to damage in severe storms, passenger safety and emergency response procedures, and protection of employees on or adjacent to the track in the performance of their duties.