The train incident involved an Amtrak train on its way to New Orleans from Washington, D.C. The train had occupancy of 379 passengers and 20 members of the crew team and consisted of a crew 13 passenger cars, three baggage cars, and two locomotives. At the time of the collision, the train was traveling at a speed of approximately 77miles per hour. The train's engineer stated that he observed a wagon 7 approaching the crossing and believed that it was going to stop at the intersection. On realizing that the engine had entered the crossing, he applied emergency brakes and sounded the horn. Still, the firefighter riding the wagon did not stop (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). A crash then occurred, causing damage to property and injuries. As a result of the collision, gasoline fires broke out resulting from the Wagon 7's fuel, which ruptured during the crash. Firefighter helped extinguish locomotive fires on neighboring cars and the Wagon 7.
I believe that the accident was caused by ignorance of set out operation procedures by the operator of the fire equipment. Steps such as ensuring keenness on the crossing and how to stop a fire engine at a safe distance in case of an emergency could have saved the situation. The fact that the occupant of the wagon did not look back at the hooting train suggests that he may have been stressed and absent-minded hence causing the accident.
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Even procedures and regulations as regard firefighting and responding to emergencies are put in place; there is a need to enhance training for all stakeholders involved in response to fire emergencies. In the incident, for example, regulations had been put out on handling fire apparatus, and measures stipulated to reduce fire apparatus accidents. However, the rules and regulations are implemented by humans who may make mistakes due to ignorance. The relevant department should well address safety issues relating to the fire fighting apparatus. Matters such as the requirements for inspecting fire apparatus, programs on the maintenance of equipment and machinery, operating procedures for the fire department, and safety of any occupants of fire apparatus should be well stipulated in polices. At the same time, fire training is essential for all operators of fire machinery to increases awareness of the prevention of accidents and how to handle them if they occur.
Reference
Department of Homeland Security. (n.d). TR-048 Fire Apparatus/Train Collision .
