UNION PACIFIC TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Synopsis

On August 31, 1997, at approximately 3:55 p.m., Union Pacific (UP) freight train Extra 8116 East struck the rear end of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight train at milepost 4.2 near the BNSF classification yard at Barstow, California. The UP train was being operated on an adjacent main track. The UP 8116 jackknifed when it struck the preceding train and derailed three cars of the adjacent train. The crewmembers rode the lead locomotive throughout the collision until it came to rest over an embankment. They were not injured. All three lead locomotives, three trailing cars, and four cars of the preceding train were derailed. A small leak from one of the tank cars resulted in a cautionary restricted zone by the local emergency response. Once the product was identified and contained the restriction was removed.

Injuries to Persons

INJURY TABLE

Damage

According to the carrier, damages exceeded $200,000.