The Federal Railroad Administration has issued an emergency order requiring Burlington Northern Santa Fe to ensure that brakes can be applied from the end of its trains.
Under the order, BNSF can equip trains with two-way end-of-train devices, put a crew-occupied helper locomotive at the end of trains or other comparable measures specifically outlined in the order.
On Feb. 1, 1996, a 480-car BNSF train pulled by four locomotives derailed on a curve while descending westbound through the Cajon Pass in California. Two crew members were killed and a third seriously injured. The derailment caused a hazardous spill, prompting evacuation of area residents and the closing of I-15.
Source: The March 1996 issue of Progressive Railroading
