This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
10/4/2023
The National Transportation Safety Board yesterday released a preliminary report of its investigation into a fatal accident that occurred last month in a CSX rail yard in Ohio.
The accident, which resulted in the death of a CSX carman, occurred Sept. 17 on the lead track in the Class I's yard in Walbridge, Ohio, according to the report.
At the time of the accident, the carman was walking from a parked truck across multiple tracks to line and lock a switch to prepare for rail-car inspections. As he began crossing the lead track to access the switch, he was struck by two CSX remote-controlled locomotives, which were traveling south about 10 mph.
The CSX mechanical crew involved in the accident consisted of two carmen. Shortly before the accident, they parked a truck east of the lead track and several yard tracks. Yard surveillance camera video showed the carman who later died exited the driver’s side door of the truck and walked west toward the switch on yard track No. 5. His movement placed him on the lead track and in the path of the locomotives.
The second carman, who was unaware that an accident had occurred, exited the truck’s passenger door and crossed the lead track to place a blue signal on yard track 5. As the second carman returned to the truck, he saw the first carman lying near the lead track. The second carman then radioed to stop all train movement in the yard and request help.
While on scene, NTSB investigators reviewed data from forward facing locomotive image recorders (including the remote control locomotives and a passing train) and a yard surveillance camera; observed remote control train operations; completed interviews; inspected the locomotives involved in the accident; and conducted sight distance observations.
The NTSB's investigation is ongoing. Future investigative efforts will focus on CSX's carmen safety procedure training and awareness.
As a result of the accident, CSX issued a safety alert to all employees emphasizing safety briefings, situational awareness and knowledge of emergency action plans.