Here is what I understand happened:
The train was left on the main line NOT in a siding because it was blocked by
empties for the mill in town. SOP (Standard Operating Practice). Engineer
applied 11 hand brakes, one more than the 10 required by MM&A. Firemen cut off
fuel (this is done outside, on the ground, not in the cab) again SOP for
fighting fires. MOW person was advised by firemen they had shut down unit. MOW
man advised RTC. One hour and 5 minutes later the train ran away. It would
appear the RTC failed to take action to get unit(s) restarted in order to
maintain air. Maybe he was unaware of the seriousness of the situation. Maybe
he was not advised of shutdown of other units although again, this was SOP and
he SHOULD have known. I am guessing this is why he was arrested. In any event
he had a key role as the person in charge of things at the time. Manage
arrested as he is also responsible for matters. Not sure why the President was
not arrested too at that rate. CEO Burkhardt was in USA.
The real fault lies in Ottawa. BTC inspectors used to rule over safety and
issue fines if in violation. Unfortunately, we don't have the Government of
Canada anymore. We now have the Harper government which lets railways and
others police themselves. TC inspectors cannot even issue fines.
What happened is what happens in all tragic disasters Titanic etc. Not any one
thing went wrong, not any one person to blame. It comes about with a number of
things coming together at the wrong time. Sad, very sad.
Raymond
