NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah, Jan. 30, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A dramatic crash in which a FrontRunner train plowed through a FedEx cargo truck on Jan. 21 was caused by human error, according to a statement released by the Utah Transit Authority.
A dash camera on a North Salt Lake Police cruiser captured video of the accident, and documented the fact that as the train approached the roadway, no warning lights were flashing to alert motorists, and the safety arms that should have been down to stop traffic were in the raised position.
“We have determined that the gates were raised by a UTA employee who responded to the scene, and the accident was caused by human error,” said Dave Goeres, UTA Chief Safety and Security Officer, in the prepared statement.
“The investigation verified that the signal system functioned properly, and went into a safe, down and active mode, as it’s programmed to do.”
No one was seriously injured in the accident, which separated the truck trailer from its cargo, sent FedEx packages flying, and impacted a FrontRunner train carrying more than 80 people.
An agency employee had been working at the intersection and had raised the gate, according to Utah Transit Authority spokesman Remi Barron. Established protocol called for the employee to alert the main office and the FrontRunner engineer so that the train could be slowed to a maximum speed of 15 mph for safety reasons.
No notice was given, which was why the FrontRunner train was traveling at normal speeds, and the engineer was unaware that the gates were up and no warning lights were on.
“The standard procedure states that the protection is to be in place and verified with operators prior to getting authorization to raise the gates,” Goeres said. “This did not happen…. Unfortunately, in this situation the employee involved has been terminated. All controllers and system workers have received additional retraining on the crossing protection procedures.”
To see the video, which was widely shared by the national and international media, click the video link below.
