Fall River & Eastern Derailment

During the operating session on the Fall River & Eastern last weekend, there was a major derailment. The Local Peddler Crew began a reverse motion on the mainline, however the switch for Golden Flame siding was still set for the siding. The accelerating train derailed the two covered hoppers on the siding, pushing the last covered hopper into the Tower, moving it from its foundation. Photo below is from the Management at Fall River & Eastern.



In the accident report the engineer said he was told by his brakeman to back up the train and the switch for Golden Flame siding had been returned to the Main.

Normally the brakeman would have be been responsible for the accident but he works for Fall River & Eastern and is related of the President of the Railroad and the engineer was visiting from another railroad and has a "history".

Clean up crews have been working on site and have the covered hoppers back on the tracks and have been send to the repair shop for inspection. The engineers will be reviewing the fountion and structure of the tower to see if it can be saved.

later

Doug