Runaway Locomotive Incident Causes Major Derailment on Kentucky Tourist Railway

Runaway Locomotive Incident Shocks Kentucky Tourist Railway. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A Runaway Locomotive Incident on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway led to a severe derailment. Officials confirmed that the accident caused major damage and is under active investigation.

Mechanical Failure Behind Runaway Locomotive Incident

The train crew was returning after a track inspection when a mechanical issue occurred. The locomotive unexpectedly shut down on a steep grade near Stearns, Kentucky.

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To secure the train, the crew engaged the handbrake and placed wheel chocks. They then radioed a shop worker to pick them up and retrieve another locomotive.

Upon returning, the crew discovered the SW9 was missing. The train had rolled unmanned for two miles after its brakes and chocks failed.

The locomotive traveled through a tunnel, gaining speed before hitting a sharp curve. It derailed into a mountainside near Roaring Paunch Creek, suffering severe damage.

Weather and Safety Concerns in Runaway Locomotive Incident

The impact was strong enough to detach the generator from the engine. The fireman’s side cab was completely destroyed, and the locomotive landed eleven feet off the track.

A sharp curve 2,400 feet past the tunnel was the final derailment point. Experts believe the train picked up dangerous speed along a thousand-foot straightaway.

Officials stated that the crew followed safety procedures, but multiple factors led to the incident. The extreme cold may have worsened mechanical issues and reduced braking efficiency.

An SW9’s handbrake only engages one brake shoe, limiting its ability to hold weight. Frost buildup could have made the chocks ineffective on the steep grade.

Typically, off-season inspections use a lighter motor car instead of a locomotive. However, the crew may have chosen the SW9 due to its onboard heating system.

McCreary County Heritage Foundation is working with its insurance carrier.

Source: www.trains.com

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