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Two Injured In Marshall, Missouri Train Crash

Brett Emison — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:54:20 GMT

The Marshall Democrat-News has reported that two people were injured when their pickup truck was struck by a Union Pacific train.

Two people were injured when a train struck their pickup truck on 205th Road, formerly County Road 205, near state Highway WW just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24.

David O. Griffitt, 70, of Slater was driving a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup truck eastbound on 205th Road, formerly County Road 205, when he failed to observe an oncoming train and his vehicle struck the engine of a southbound C44AC Union Pacific train, driven by Robert E. Smith, 31, of Lee's Summit, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's crash report.

Griffett received serious injuries and was transported to Fitzgibbon Hospital.

An unnamed passenger received light injuries and was also transported to Fitzgibbon Hospital.

Missouri was one of the top 10 deadliest states for railroad crossing accidents in 2008. The comments accompanying the Marshall Democrat-News story are telling about the dangerousness of the railroad crossing where this accident occurred:

If it is not clear and visible to see an approaching train, maybe some signal arms should be installed like normal crossings that would drop down when a train is nearing the crossing.

Why don't they have them at this crossing?
-- Posted by chatterbox6494 on Wed, Nov 25, 2009, at 12:12 AM

I have been in this area my whole life. Those tracks are dangerous. No signal and bushes and weeds make it hard to see untill it is to late.

This road is well traveled by many.I have witnessed several vehiles simply fly across those tracks.

I pray these gentlemen are OK and that some sort of solution to the lack of visibility.
-- Posted by vlm2 on Tue, Nov 24, 2009, at 12:30 PM

Railroad crossing collisions can have any number of causes. Some of these causes include:

Failure to install proper warnings, such as lights, alarms (crossing bells) or a functioning crossing gate
Defective warnings -- inoperable lights, bells or gates
Improper sight lines that prevent a vehicle's driver from seeing an oncoming train until it is too late
Failure to properly maintain the crossing -- such as allowing overgrown trees, vegetation and other foliage to obstruct or hide an oncoming train
Improperly parking a train at or near a crossing -- this not only hides an oncoming train from view, but gives motorists a false sense of safety in seeing a parked train at the crossing
Failure to sound the train's horn or whistle at or near the crossing
Other negligence that may appear on the train's data recorder or video recorder

It takes a skilled team of investigators, experts and railroad crossing attorneys to identify critical information.

A railroad company is responsible for assuring that train crossing warning systems are active and in working order. In one Langdon & Emison case, the flashing lights were working, but there was no train visible. As the vehicle attempted to cross the tracks, a train came around a curve, failed to use its horn and collided with the car. In another case, a train was obstructed by overgrown vegetation and the crossing lights did not activate. Too often, railroad companies allow weeds, grass, trees and other vegetation to overgrow near railroad crossings. This overgrown foliage prevents motorists from seeing an oncoming train.

Railroad companies should be held accountable for dangers railroad crossings that kill. Is there a different set of rules for railroad companies than for everyone else? If a railroad has a dangerous crossing where large trains speed through, shouldn't they warn approaching motorists? Why did the railroad never put up a proper warning device?

You can learn more about how to protect yourself at railroad crossings at by visiting our railroad safety blog or web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

More Details In Tragic Train Crash That Killed Pastor And Wife

Brett Emison — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:44:49 GMT

KLFY has reported additional details surrounding the tragic train crash that killed Pastor Fanley Thomas and his wife, Florence, in Le Moyen, Louisiana.

After a train crash killed a pastor and his wife on their way to church Sunday, family members and the congregation are left with heavy hearts as they try to move on.

The accident happened right in front of their church in Lemoine. That's a small community in St Landry Parish, just east of US Highway 71.

Pastor Fanley Thomas and his wife Florence were killed Sunday morning crossing the tracks at highway 71, just feet away from a congregation awaiting their sermon.

The train was heading north on the tracks, the pastor and his wife were heading south, turned into the driveway, and obviously didn't see the train. As tragic as it was , we're told it could've been much worse.

It was just the pastor and his wife in the car, but the pastor was known to bring his mother and two grandchildren to Sunday service with him.

There are no active emergency signals, such as flashing lights or cross-arms at the intersection. Congregation members say they will now press to get active emergency indicators at the intersection.

They say had it been someone else who met the same fate, future protection would have been the pastor's main goal.

DOTD officials say since the intersection is a private road, public funding for emergency signals is a stretch.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Pastor Thomas's family and congregation. I support their call for safer railroad crossings. It is unacceptable that the railroad has failed to put warning devices on this crossing just steps from Pastor Thomas's church.

A public viewing for Pastor Fanley and Florence Thomas will be held on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church in Manou. The funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Railroad companies owe it to the public to make sure that no one dies in another train crash like this one.

This tragic railroad crash comes on the heals of several others across the country. There were reports in New Jersey of railroad crossing signal malfunctions that caused warning lights to go off when no train was present. These malfunctions lead to train collisions. Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad (BNSF) was fined $4 million for lying to a Minnesota court and attempting to cover up its role in a tragic train crossing crash that killed four people.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself at railroad crossings at by visiting our railroad safety blog or web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Pastor, Wife Killed In Louisiana Train Accident

Brett Emison — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:07:30 GMT

WAFB has reported that Pastor Fanley Thomas and his wife, Florence, were killed at a railroad crossing in Le Moyen, Louisiana on Sunday morning on their way to church.

LE MOYEN, LA (WAFB) - A St. Landry Parish pastor and his wife died after authorities said a train slammed into their car Sunday morning.

Pastor Fanley Thomas and his wife, Florence, were killed at a railroad crossing in the town of Le Moyen, which is located in the northern part of the parish.

According to sheriff's deputies, the train hit the car on the passenger side, causing it to burst into flames.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pastor Thomas's family and congregation. This event is a tragic reminder of railroad crossing accident dangers and a call to action for all railroad companies to make their crossings safer. Railroad companies owe it to the public to make sure that no one dies in another train crash like this one.

There have been several tragic railroad crossing crashes in recent months -- many due to defects and problems with the crossings themselves.

There were reports in New Jersey of railroad crossing signal malfunctions that caused warning lights to go off when no train was present. These malfunctions lead to train collisions.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad (BNSF) was fined $4 million for lying to a Minnesota court and attempting to cover up its role in a tragic train crossing crash that killed four people.

Relatives and extended church family of Pastor Thomas and his wife, Florence, are mourning their loss. Pastor Thomas just recently warned his community about the dangers of having a train crossing with no warning lights. Pastor Thomas will be missed by those who knew him.

"If you didn't meet this fellow, you missed a gem because he was one of the greatest people to walk the face of this earth," said Raymon Whitehurst, Thomas's brother-in-law.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself at railroad crossings at by visiting our railroad safety blog or web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

One Killed in Lincoln, Nebraska Train Crash

Brett Emison — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:01:01 GMT

NBC affiliate, WOWT has reported that one person was killed when an Amtrak train struck a car at a railroad crossing on the west side of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Police say one person was killed when an Amtrak train struck a car at a crossing on the west side of Lincoln.

Capt. Jim Thoms says the collision occurred at 5:57 a.m. Thursday.

He says the street will be closed for several hours. There was no word yet on the cause or on the identity of the victim.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the person killed in this tragic collision. This train crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers of railroad crossings.

There have been several tragic railroad crossing crashes in recent months -- many due to defects and problems with the crossings themselves.

There were reports in New Jersey of railroad crossing signal malfunctions that caused warning lights to go off when no train was present. These malfunctions lead to train collisions.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad (BNSF) was fined $4 million for lying to a Minnesota court and attempting to cover up its role in a tragic train crossing crash that killed four people.

Missouri, Illinois and California all part of the top 10 deadliest states for railroad crashes.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself at railroad crossings at by visiting our railroad safety blog or web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Man Killed in Southeast Missouri Train Accident

Brett Emison — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:38:46 GMT

The Southeast Missourian has reported that Scotty Davis was killed in a railroad crossing accident near Campbell, Missouri.

CAMPBELL, Mo. -- A 44-year-old Campbell man was killed when his vehicle was struck by a train at 9:45 a.m. Saturday on Dunklin County Road 231, three miles northeast of Campbell.

***

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:26 a.m. by Dunklin County Deputy Coroner James Towell. Davis is the 60th fatality in Troop E this year.

Davis was traveling southbound in a 1996 Buick when his vehicle was struck by a GE locomotive at a railroad crossing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Davis's family. This train crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers of railroad crossings.

There have been several tragic railroad crossing crashes in recent months -- many due to defects and problems with the crossings themselves.

There were reports in New Jersey of railroad crossing signal malfunctions that caused warning lights to go off when no train was present. These malfunctions lead to train collisions.

Burlington Northern Sante Fe railroad (BNSF) was fined $4 million for lying to a Minnesota court and attempting to cover up its role in a tragic train crossing crash that killed four people.

Missouri, Illinois and California all part of the top 10 deadliest states for railroad crashes.

You can learn more about how to protect yourself at railroad crossings at by visiting our railroad safety blog or web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Railroad Crossing Signal Malfunctions Worry Town Officials

Brett Emison — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:09:43 GMT

New Jersey news sources are reporting railroad crossing signal glitches that have officials worried. Police confirmed that the railroad crossing warning problems have been around for decades.

Motorists cruising down borough roadways do what they are supposed to do when they see flashing lights at a railroad crossing: They ease to a stop and wait patiently for the assumed-to-be-coming train to pass.

Except, on some occasions, no train comes, borough officials said.

It's sporadic problem that, according to police, has been around for decades. But Borough Council President Curtis Stollen said the situation worsened over the summer, when the number of false alarms at Conrail track crossings increased, much to the dismay of idle motorists and nearby residents.

These signal malfunctions compound ordinary railroad crossing dangers because of confusion to motorists attempting to cross the railroad tracks.

"It's a double-edged sword. When those signals are activated . . . you are required to stop until they are not activated," he said. "Some people will look, see there's no train coming and go. Other people just sit there until they are directed otherwise."

At times, the railroad crossing warning lights would flash for hours. Calls to the railroad went unanswered for long periods of time.

Train accidents and, specifically, railroad crossing accidents, can have devastating effects on motor vehicles. When a train hits another vehicle -- a car, truck or SUV -- the results are catastrophic. Often, these accidents and deaths could have been prevented.

In the last 10 years, there have been more than 30,000 railroad crossing collisions resulting in more than 3600 deaths.

You can learn more about railroad crossing dangers and how to protect yourself at our safety blog or by visiting our web site.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Warren Buffett Buys Burlington Northern Sante Fe ("BNSF") Railroad

Brett Emison — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:24:48 GMT

CNN has reported that Warren Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, will buy railroad corporation Burlington Northern Sante Fe ("BNSF") for $44 billion.

Berkshire (BRKA, Fortune 500), which already has major stake in Burlington Northern, said it would acquire the remaining 77.4% of the company in a cash-and-stock offer worth $100 per share.

***

The deal, which would rank as the largest acquisition in Berkshire Hathaway's history, would also include $10 billion of Burlington Northern debt.

***

Matthew Rose, Burlington Northern's chairman and CEO, said the sale of the Fort Worth, Texas-based firm was a "strategic fit" for both the company's customers and employees, during a conference call with investors Tuesday.

No management changes are expected at Burlington Northern as a result of the deal, which is expected to close sometime in early 2010.

Burlington Northern has been under scrutiny recently since a Minnesota Court found that BNSF had attempted to cover up its role in four railroad crossing deaths:

The Court found that BNSF destroyed some evidence, fabricated other evidence, interfered with the investigation and purposefully lied and advanced misleading facts in order to conceal the truth.

The railroad's conduct in destorying evidence and attempting to cover up its role in killing these four young people underscores the dangers of railroad crossing accidents. In the last decade, there have been more than 30,000 railroad crossing accidents that killed more than 3600 people. Half of these collisions occurred at train crossings with active warning devices (including lights, crossing gates or bells). However, as BNSF's conduct shows, how many of these devices were working properly? How many other malfunctions have been covered up by BNSF or other railroad companies?

You can learn more about railroad accidents and railroad safety at our train safety blog or by visiting our train accident web site.

Learn more about Langdon & Emison and become a fan on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Safe Crossing Week Teaches Train Dangers To Children

Brett Emison — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:07:28 GMT

Reuters is reporting that Safe Kids USA and CN are working together to teach elementary school children how to stay safe near railroad tracks.

In 2008, approximately 744 people were killed and 1,372 were injured in incidents involving trains in the United States. These incidents involved either trains and pedestrians or trains and motor vehicle occupants. Twenty-two children ages 14 and under were killed, and another 122 were injured, in incidents involving trains.

Safe Crossing Week, November 1 to 7, 2009, focuses on Teaching Safety for Life, which includes an innovative in-school program that provides grade level-specific railroad safety curriculum and activities.

Because of their enormous size, locomotives and train crashes can have devastating effects on cars and trucks. Many motorists simply assume a train won't be approaching a crossing if the motorist doesn't see gates or warning lights. However, many railroad crossings are unguarded and protected only by a small "cross buck" sign. Even protected crossings may have malfunctioning or defective lights and gates.

Missouri train accidents were one of the 10 most deadly -- state by state -- in 2008. Missouri train deaths increased in both 2007 and 2008.

Illinois train accidents were the most deadly in 2008. Nearly half of those deaths occurred in Illinois' northeast region, including Cook County and Chicago.

To stay safe near railroad tracts, parents and children need to discuss and follow these simple life-saving rules:

Only cross at marked railroad crossings. Always look both ways before crossing the tracks.

Obey all signs and signals. Listen for a warning bell or train whistle.

Watch for flashing lights.

Never try to cross the tracks if a train is coming. Trains are very large and heavy, and take a long time to stop!

When a train is coming, tand at least 10 giant steps away from the tracks. If one train passes, make sure another one isn't coming. Trains can come from any direction at any time on any track.

Get off your bide and walk it across the tracks. Don't forget to wear your helmet when you ride your bike.

Walking or playing on or near railroad tracks is dangerous.

I applaud Safe Kids U.S.A. and CN for taking this important first step. Railroad crossings are incredibly dangerous and all railroad companies must take more steps to protect children, pedestrians and motorists. All railroad crossings should be unobstructed (free from buildings, vegetation and other trains that could block someone's view of an approaching train), should have appropritate warning devices (such as flashing lights, gates, bells, and well-marked stop signs), and train crews must blow the train whistle at every crossing. Railroad corporations must provide safe crossings for the public.

You can learn more about railroad crossing safety at our web site.

Learn more about Langdon & Emison and become a fan on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Baby Stroller Hit By Train

Brett Emison — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:42:07 GMT

There is amazing video of a baby stroller rolling off a loading platform just seconds before an incoming train. The infant was struck by the train, but luckily the train was nearly stopped. The infant was thrown nearly 100 yards down the track, but remarkably only suffered minor injuries.

This is a reminder to everyone -- especially parents -- that tragedy can strike in a matter of seconds. Trains and locomotives are particularly dangerous. You can learn more about train and railroad crossing dangers at our raiload accident web site or this recent blog post.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison

Independence, Missouri Cracks Down On Train Accidents

Brett Emison — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:52:14 GMT

The Independence Examiner is reporting that the City of Independence, Missouri is cracking down on motorists to remind them of railroad crossing accident dangers.

Independence Police . . . issued 31 citations in about two hours where a [Union Pacific] spur line crosses Walnut Avenue and Noland Road.

Police want to remind drivers that they need to stop as soon as they see the flashing warning lights or hear the warning bells.

Even a short ride aboard the two locomotives used for Tuesday's operation -- from the Truman Depot to just east of the Sermon Center -- shows a bit of a challenge. That line crosses 10 streets, eight of them without crossing guards or lights. Missouri has thousands of railroad crossings like that.

Officials said the crossing on Liberty Street -- next to the Examiner -- is a worrisome example of crossing concerns. People drive fast, and buildings there can obscure [or hide] the view of an oncoming train.

The Examiner reported that in 2008, there were 82 Missouri train accidents involving trains striking vehicles. These railroad crossing accidents resulted in 18 injuries and three deaths.

Many motorists take for granted that there cannot be a train accident if there are not lights flashing or no crossing arms at the railroad crossing. However, as the Examiner noted, many railroad crossings are unguarded and even those with lights and gates may malfunction.

You can learn about railroad crossing accidents and dangers and how to protect yourself and your family in our recent blog post or at our railroad crossing accident and safety web site.

Learn more and become a fan of Langdon & Emison on Facebook.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Brett Emison