About 9:35 a.m., e.s.t., on September 24, 1977, an Usher Transport, Inc., tractor-cargo-tank semitrailer was descending a 12.6-percent, 720-foot-long grade approaching a left curve and a railroad/highway grade crossing on Kentucky State Route 11 in Beattyville, Kentucky. The truck, which was hauling 8,255 gallons of gasoline, crossed the tracks against the flashing red lights and in front of an approaching train, and struck buildings adjacent to the edge of the road. It then overturned on top of a parked car. Escaping gasoline ignited and the fire destroyed 6 buildings and 16 parked vehicles. Seven persons died in the fire. The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the loss of vehicle control because of speed excessive for highway geometry. Contributing to the accident was the truckdriver's lack of judgment when he failed to respond to the warnings and obey the rules of the road.
Highway Accident Report - Usher Transport, Inc., Tractor-Cargo-Tank-Semitrailer Overturn and Fire, State Route 11, Beattyville, Kentucky, September 24, 1977
1978
29 pages
Report
No indication
English