Western Railroad Discussion > Photos of the BNSF Katka, ID Derailment

Frederick Manfred Simon and myself went to check out the BNSF derailment from last night. Couldn't quite see the head end due to a tree in the way, and the wind in the gorge prevented the use of a drone. But we found cars derailed in the train further back including a tankcar that was folded in half right on the west switch of Katka. The cars behind that had already been pulled back. The slide was just about 1 mile west of the west switch of Katka. We also caught a couple of southbound UP trains....will post those later.

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

---

---

---

View of the head end;

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

---

wow , what a moment for that crew , i think i read they got out , probably got wet oh , thanks for posting pictures 

Boy Ted, that was quite the plunge into the river for the crew. Glad they were rescued safely. Interesting pictures!

Larry



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/02/20 19:49 by Ritzville.

dtoeppen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> No slide detecting fences??? Holy foolish
> signalling system, Batman.
>
> Great photos.

there will be 

The slide could have occurred just seconds before they arrived at that location so they may not have received any warning from any detector.   

Didn't CP have a similar slide/derailment on the Frazier River a few years ago?

Keith in Roseburg

Slide or any other type of detector, not including defect detectors,  does no good if you are past the signal they are protecting (signals with a P plate.) 

dtoeppen Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> No slide detecting fences??? Holy foolish
> signalling system, Batman.
>
> Great photos.

What is the speed limit through here?

Tom

Wow! Holy cow the crew must be thanking they’re blessings tonight! Thank goodness they all made it out ok. Thanks for posting these truly difficult shots.

Ryan Barber
Stockton, CA



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/03/20 06:35 by TS735.

Railfan4Christ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What is the speed limit through here?


Generally 55-60 MPH for most freight trains according to the current 2019/2020 BNSF Montana Division Timetable. The approximate milepost for Katka Siding on the Kootenai River Subdivision is 1357.0, actual siding runs MP 1355.5-1357.7. Timetable also notes Katka Siding turnouts are marked at 35 MPH passenger, 30 MPH freight.

~ Mr. MRL

---

Please look closer at the ETT. It shows 35mph passenger, 30mph freight, between (approximately) Yakt and Crossport.
Dave in Msla

Nice coverage Ted. The perils of railroading. You can make a thousand "normal trips" but it only take the one abnormal.
JB



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/03/20 06:51 by 3rdswitch.

That crew is lucky someone got to them before hypothermia got to them.  They are truly lucky to be alive.

https://idahonews.com/news/local/train-derails-in-river-in-northern-idaho

Thanks for the excellent and interesting coverage, Ted.