Progressive Railroading 2/22/2018:
NTSB: Truck was on tracks, gates were down before Amtrak crashThe front axle of the lead locomotive derailed as the train continued moving. Photo – NTSB
A garbage truck involved in a fatal Amtrak accident late last month had entered a grade crossing after the warning gates were lowered, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced yesterday.
SNIP
The grade crossing is active and includes advance warning signs and pavement markings on its approach. The crossing also is equipped with crossbuck signs, warning lights, bells and gates.
Data from the train's forward-facing camera inside the locomotive showed that as the crossing came into view, the gates were down and the garbage truck was on the grade crossing. Witnesses to the crash reported that the truck had entered the crossing after the gates were down.