NS should be all over the driver of the van for the damages resulting from their negligence. Sure they are a million dollar corporation, but maybe it'll teach someone a lesson. Thanks for sharing, Jim, and glad to hear everyone is alright.
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Great catch Jim. I passed over that crossing twice that day and didn't know anything exciting had happen. Thanks!
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| Posted by GeorgeO on September 11, 2007 | |
What was the driver of the minivan trying to do? It always amazes me what stupid things people do.
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What the heck was the driver of this minivan trying to do? Glad the crew stopped in in time before someone was hurt.
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| Posted by on September 11, 2007 | |
What a tribute to an alert crew. However, the outcome as we all know, could have been much different depending on tonnage!
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Reminds me of a few years back when a tourist tried to drive across the thru-truss bridge at Harpers Ferry. The driver stated that when he was last here in the late 1940's you could drive across the bridge. Nice catch!
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| Posted by JerryE on September 11, 2007 | |
Another 'Sat-Nav' issue, I notice that there is what looks like a turn immediately after the grade crossing (right hand side of picture)? The same sort of incident happens in the UK, and if you know UK level (grade) crossing you will also know how difficult it must be to get onto the line!
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The crew did a remarkable job. As it turns out an assistant trainmaster was on board and praised the crew's efforts. A WV State Trooper told me the driver of the minivan was trying to avoid another vehicle and turned onto the tracks. It happened so fast by the time word reached the crew from the dispatcher the train had already stopped.
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I've always hated this crossing. I'm glad the crew was able to stop the train in time and no one was hurt. Excellent work JJ.
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Great job by the crew! It looks like something is lodged in front of the passenger front tire that would stop the van getting off the tracks in drive, but did they think about reverse before the train arrived? I mean a broken shock from the van getting over that small drop off would have been better than what (almost) happened.
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Why was the minivan driver trying to avoid the other vehicle? Was there an eminent collision?
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Look under the Minivan, between the nearside tyres - looks like something broke when he drove onto the tracks.
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| Posted by Nikko P on September 12, 2007 | |
Its amazing what people will do. You say they were trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle? That must be one hell of a crossing if they were desperate enough to swerve on to the tracks. Kudos to the crew.
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