Life changed for the family of Glenn Steele on February 24, 2015 when his Southbound Metrolink train derailed after striking a pickup truck hauling a trailer. The trailer wedged itself under the plow of the Hyundai Rotem cabcar, promptly derailing it, causing injuries to Mr. Steele that would later be fatal.
As a result of the accident, Metrolink announced on September 3, 2015 that they would restrict use of the cab cars for at least a year as they will undergo a review of the safety features, causing the Southern California Regional Rail Authority to contact BNSF about leasing locomotives.
Forty BNSF AC4400's flocked from the coal fields to the beaches and suburbia of "SoCal" to be placed into commuter service. The plows on the Rotems are slowly being repaired and the AC4400's are being returned to BNSF; which made for a treat when the last Northbound train of the afternoon came around the corner at San Clemente State Beach with BNSF 5668 leading.
The house directly above the BNSF unit was Richard Nixon's place, also known as the "West Coast White House. It recently sold, for an astonishing $79 million.
