On July 18, 2013, at 8:29 p.m. eastern daylight time, northbound CSX Transportation (CSX) train Q70419, derailed on the Metro-North Railroad (Metro-North) Hudson Line at milepost (MP) 9.99 on main track 2. The train consisted of 2 locomotives and 24 modified flat cars. Each flat car was loaded with 4 containers containing municipal refuse. The 11th through 20th cars derailed.
We determined that the probable cause of the accident was excessive track gage due to a combination of fouled ballast, deteriorated concrete ties, and profile deviations resulting from Metro North’s decision to defer scheduled track maintenance.
