A Norfolk Southern train that derailed in Alabama earlier this month lacked required alignment control couplers for two of its locomotives and a company...
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A Norfolk Southern train that derailed in Alabama earlier this month lacked required alignment control couplers for two of its locomotives and a company inspection did not identify their absence, federal investigators said Monday.
In a report released Monday about a March 9 derailment of two locomotives and 37 rail cars in Anniston, Alabama, the safety board said two of the train’s six locomotives were “waybill locomotives,” or towed cars not used for any tractive power. The cars weren’t equipped with alignment control couplers that “resist lateral coupler movement under compressive in-train forces.” A company rule bars towing waybill locomotives without such couplers, the report said.
“We have taken immediate action to update our manuals with photos and details to implement training with our crews. Safety is a priority at NS and we’ll continue working with the NTSB to identify the final cause of this derailment and implement any other necessary changes,” said Connor Spielmaker, a senior communications manager with Norfolk Southern.
Five days after that derailment, the Association of American Railroads issued an equipment inspection order advising railroads to remove from service — wheelsets mounted by National Steel Car between August and March. The association said railroads nationwide initially identified 675 cars affected by the advisory and pulled them off the tracks.
Soon after the Springfield crash, the safety board announced a broad look at Norfolk Southern’s safety culture — the first such investigation within the rail industry since 2014 — and said it had sent investigation teams to look into five significant accidents involving Norfolk Southern since December 2021.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ohio sues Norfolk Southern over East Palestine toxic train derailmentCOLUMBUS, Ohio — (COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio is suing Norfolk Southern Railway over last month's toxic train derailment in East Palestine, state Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday.
Read more »
Legislators frustrated with Norfolk Southern CEO’s appearance before Pa. Senate committeeNorfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw's appearance before a Pa. Senate committee Monday left legislators and a union rep frustrated with the lack of answers.
Read more »
Cleveland City Council announces new rail safety resolutionCleveland City Council to propose new legislation following Norfolk Southern derailment.
Read more »
FOX10 honored with 7 ABBY AwardsFOX10 took home some big honors from the Alabama Broadcasters Association Saturday night.
Read more »
MARCH MADNESS: No. 9 Seed Auburn Falls to No. 1 Seed Houston, 81-64 - Alabama NewsDespite leading by 10 points at halftime, Auburn fell to Houston 81-64. auburnbasketball auburntigers wakanews
Read more »
Alabama Dept. of Human Resources warning of SNAP EBT card scamDHR says they will never contact you by text about your SNAP benefits so you should not release your information.
Read more »