NTSB’s derailment diagram of the BNSF derailment in Minnesota earlier this year. (Courtesy of NTSB)

UPDATE: NTSB Releases Memo for Determination of BNSF Minnesota Derailment 

On Monday, Oct. 16, NTSB Newsroom announced via Twitter that it has opened a docket “for its investigation of the March 30, 2023 derailment of a BNSF Railway freight train on the Marshall District in Raymond, Minnesota.”

FRA: Locomotive Image and Audio Recording Devices Required for Passenger Trains (UPDATED)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Oct. 12 announced that it is requiring the installation of inward- and outward-facing locomotive image recording devices on all lead locomotives in passenger trains, as required by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

​View of the Walbridge (Ohio) Yard accident scene. (Source: CSX)​

NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on CSX Carman Fatality in Ohio

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the Sept. 17, 2023, accident involving a CSX carman, who was struck and killed by a

NTSB: How Not to Blow a Gasket

The National Transportation Safety Board has released findings and safety recommendations on DOT-117 tank cars that address the performance of gaskets employed in sealing manway covers and valves in a derailment, and

​​NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy (right) with some of the 15 new employees sworn in on Sept. 25. The agency now has 433 staffers. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of NTSB)

NTSB Boosts Staffing, Reduces Average Investigation-Completion Time

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Sept. 27 reported hiring a record number of employees this year “to keep up with emerging technologies and reduce the average time it takes to complete investigations.”

The collision between Amtrak train 531 and the UP RMM occurred as the RMM moved from main track 1 across main track 2, which was occupied by train 531. (Courtesy of NTSB)

NTSB Railroad Investigation Report: Amtrak Train 531 and UP RMM Collision

The NTSB released a Railroad Investigation Report after a collision between Amtrak train 531 and a Union Pacific Roadway Maintenance Machine in July of last year.

The North Platte Nebraska Volunteer Fire Department on Sept. 14 at 4:25 p.m. reported via social media platform X that “NP Fire & Hazmat are on scene with UPRR. The incident is contained at this time. They are monitoring the situation and the weather, adjusting their tactics and evacuations to keep responders and citizens safe. Stay alert to any changes that may come.” (Photograph Courtesy of NPVFD, via X)

Report: Explosion at UP’s Bailey Yard in Nebraska (Updated Sept. 20)

The Sept. 14 explosion from inside an intermodal container loaded on a railcar at Union Pacific’s (UP) Bailey Yard was contained within hours, allowing yard operations to resume. An investigation is under way.

NTSB Opens Public Docket for Ongoing Investigation of Fatal UP Collision (Updated with Commentary)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened a public docket for its ongoing investigation of the Sept. 8, 2022 accident near Imperial County, Calif., involving a Union Pacific (UP) freight train

DOT-113C120W9 LNG tank car. (Chart Industries Photograph)

LNG by Rail: PHMSA Finalizes Temporary Reg Rollback (Updated)

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will suspend its July 24, 2020, authorization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport in DOT-113C120W9-specification rail tank cars, pending the earlier of either completion

​​Figure 1. Aerial view of the accident scene. (Source: CSX.)

NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on CSX Conductor Trainee Fatality

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report for the investigation of the Aug. 6 accident involving a CSX conductor trainee fatally injured during a shoving movement at the CSX railroad yard in Cumberland, Md. The agency said future activity will focus on CSX employee training and close clearance identification practices of the standing locomotives.

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