BNSF blames "human error" in remote control derailment
(The Amarillo Globe-News posted the following article on its website on
February 11.)
AMARILLO, Texas -- An Amarillo train derailment caused by a
remote-controlled operated car Sunday was caused by human error, a
spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in Fort Worth said.
There were no injuries, said Joe Faust, spokesman for Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railway. Faust said the derailment - caused by two
trains that collided - occurred about 8:30 a.m. in the BNSF yard, in the
26th Avenue area inside BNSF property. Only one locomotive was involved,
he said.
"Our preliminary findings (show) that the technology was not at fault,
that there was human error," Faust said. "Of course, the investigation
is still undergoing."
Faust said BNSF officials are trying to determine the extent of the
damage to the cars. He said remote-controlled operated cars are not
allowed outside the railway yard's property.
