VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Twenty-seven cars of a Union Pacific train carrying iron ore derailed Tuesday in Victorville, blocking BNSF’s line through the community and leading to the cancellation of Tuesday’s eastbound departure of the Southwest Chief, the San Bernardino Sun reports.
No injuries were reported. The derailment occurred about 8 a.m. The cause of the accident is under investigation. A BNSF representative told the newspaper that the railroad hoped to have one line reopened by 6 a.m. today (Wednesday, Dec. 21).
Victorville is about 65 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
— Updated at 6:30 a.m. CST on Dec. 21 with new car count, Amtrak information, estimate of line reopening.
Eric, it appears some things never change. While working for the C&NW in the late 70’s we had a similar cause and derailment as the dispatcher didn’t notify the crew of the defect. Put the train into the Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, Iowa over the Christmas week. Was a cold week back then. You’d think technology would be better today with all detectors broadcasting the info to the train.
I take it their hot box detectors don’t broadcast bad results on the road channel like other railroads?
Does anyone know about this iron ore train? Is it from the upper Midwest for export to Asia?
Thanks in advance for any info. Just curious.
Southern Utah (Cedar City area), most likely. I’m pretty sure that traffic has started up again after a brief idle period.
Utah Iron District
It originates in Utah
It would be nice to know a few more details. I understand the source was limited.
Interestingly, UP derailed empty covered hoppers last week at Santa Fe Junction in KC. This was the same location and under the same circumstances as the empty center beams and tank cars earlier this year.
Victorville would mean a UP train is on BNSF tracks. It’s in the high desert between Cajon Pass and Barstow. UP has trackage rights between Riverside Jct. and Daggett.
Word in the yard office is it was a burnt out bearing……. The detector desk didn’t notify the crew of the defect…….