FRA faults bolts, brakes and UP in June 3 crude oil derailment

The Federal Railroad Administration on June 23, 2106 released its preliminary findings on the June 3 Oregon crude oil derailment and found at fault: bolts, brakes and Union Pacific.

16 tank cars of a Union Pacific train carrying 96 carloads of Bakken crude derailed on June 3 in Mosier, Ore., en route from New Town, N.Dak. to a refinery in Tacoma, Wash.

The FRA says its “investigation found that multiple lag bolts in this section of Union Pacific track were broken and sheared, leading to tie plates loosening from ties. The loosened tie plates allowed for the rails to be pushed outwards as trains moved across them, eventually resulting in an area of wide gauge, leading to the derailment.”

The FRA says it simulated braking of the derailed train, ONETU 02, and found if the train had been equipped with electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brakes “two fewer tank cars may have derailed, and one less tank car may have been punctured.”

The FRA concludes: “Union Pacific’s failure to maintain its track and track equipment resulted in the derailment. Broken and sheared lag bolts, while difficult to detect by hi-rail, are more detectable by walking inspection combined with indications of movement in the rail or track structure and/or uneven rail wear, and are critically important to resolve quickly.”

Local reaction continues to be critical of crude by rail in the region.

You can read the FRA’s preliminary report in full HERE.