On May 23, 2007, at 3:40 a.m., m.d.t., BNSF Train Symbol YDEN3182-22A (Train No. 1), a two-man RCL (Remote Control Locomotive) yard job uncoupled from 34 loaded tank cars of beer on track No. 208 at the Rennick Yard in Denver, Colorado. The 34 unsecured tank cars then rolled southward (timetable east) approximately 7,500 feet around the Wye Bridge and into Denvers 31st Street Yard Track No. 144, where they struck BNSF Train Symbol YDEN3031-22A (Train No. 2), which contained 62 cars. The crew of Train No. 2 had been warned by radio of the oncoming tank cars and was instructed to move away from their train consist. The train crew did so and there were no injuries reported. As a result of the impact, the two locomotives of Train No. 2 were completely destroyed and four cars derailed. Locomotive No. BNSF 2505 had the entire locomotive cab and car body sheared away from the deck. Locomotive No. BNSF 1532 had 3/4 of the car body sheared away. Three of the four derailed tank cars were on Train No. 1 and loaded with beer. Tank Car No. CORX 5087 was compromised and leaked an estimated 20,886 gallons of beer. The destroyed locomotive Numbers BNSF 2505 and BNSF 1532 were estimated to have lost 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel plus 350 gallons of lube oil. Tank Car No. PLCX 22044, on Train No. 2 was also damaged and leaked an estimated 18,400 gallons of paving asphalt, causing the evacuation of 20 people. Response was limited to BNSF personnel from various operating and environmental departments and Hulcher Emergency Services. The incident made a major impact with Denver Yard switching and the ability of the BNSF to accommodate inbound and outbound trains. At the time of the derailment, the conditions were dark and clear with a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and wind out of the southwest. The total damage is $672,635. The probable cause is that the Denver based yard crew of Train No. 1 failed to secure the equipment prior to cutting away from cars (H021). A contributing cause is based on an analysis of the work schedules and interview questionnaires for the crew of Train No. 1 and 2. The analysis showed that the crews physical condition (H199) related to the natural lowering of performance during the circadian low period of the early morning hours and/or circadian disrhythmia caused by work irregular schedules (fatigue), also contributed to this accident. Other contributing factors are that the crew of Train No. 1 improperly handled the train line air connections (bottling air, H008) and failed to apply a derail in the derailing position (H303).


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    Title :

    Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety Headquarters Assigned Accident Investigation Report HQ-2007-30, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), Denver, Colorado, May 23, 2007


    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    7 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English