Improper use of Train Approach Warning Led to Fatal BNSF Rail Worker Accident
WASHINGTON (Sept. 6, 2018) —
The National Transportation Safety Board said in a report published Thursday a series of human errors led to a BNSF Railway train striking and killing two BNSF roadway workers, one of whom was the designated “watchman/lookout.”
The Jan. 17, 2017, accident near Edgemont, South Dakota, occurred when a train traveling at 35 mph struck and killed two of three workers, who had been clearing snow and ice from a track switch.
The NTSB’s investigation found the sight distance at the switch was inadequate for the safe use of the train approach warning method with a single watchman/lookout, and, the watchman/lookout did not devote his full attention to detecting approaching trains. The watchman/lookout also was not provided the equipment necessary to perform his duties as required by federal regulations. Additionally, the work group had incorrect information regarding minimum-required sight distance and lacked the required time to move to the predetermined place of safety for the work group.
The probable cause for the accident states the Federal Railroad Administration’s inconsistent enforcement of federal regulations for watchman/lookout equipment requirements contributed to the accident.
“This is the 52nd fatal accident in the past 21 years involving railroad roadway worker safety in which 55 workers have been killed,” said Robert Hall, the NTSB’s director of the Office of Rail, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials. “These accidents are completely preventable when the people involved, from the workers to the regulators, follow well-established rules and perform their duties with a focus on safety.”
The 34-page final report is available at https://go.usa.gov/xPxR4
The accident docket, which includes photographs, interview summaries, factual reports and other materials used in the course of the investigation, is available at https://go.usa.gov/xPcWk.
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BNSF identifies employees killed in train incident near Edgemont
January 31, 2017
By ALYSSA HENSRUD
The two men killed in the train accident have been identified by BNSF.
Railway employees 35-year-old Richard Lessert, a gang foreman, and 58-year-old Douglas Schmitz, a motor vehicle operator were fatally struck by a train on Tuesday.
Photo of Richard Lessert
According to the company's webiste, the men were struck while cleaning a switch on the Powder River Division.
Lessert lived in Black Hawk and was with BNSF for 10 years. Schmitz resided in Custer and was with BNSF for 39 years. Both men were headquartered at Edgemont.
BNSF issued a statement, expressing their feelings about the tragic incident.
The entire BNSF family extends its deepest sympathy to the families, friends and co-workers of Mr. Lessert and Mr. Schmitz
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident.
Jan. 17, 2017
EDGEMONT, S.D. - Two people were killed after being struck by a train near Edgemont.
BNSF Railway spokesperson, Amy McBeth, said the accident happened around 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday. A BNSF train struck and fatally injured two BNSF employees. Calling it a tragic accident, McBeth says BNSF officers are currently responding, and additional details will be released as they become available.
BNSF operates one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, with 32,500 miles of rail across the western two-thirds of the United States.