WASHINGTON — An improperly aligned switch during maintenance work that had signal operation suspended led to the collision of two CSX trains in Folkston, Ga., on April 15, according to the preliminary report on the incident released today (May 8) by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Three crew members were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Five locomotives were damaged, with two derailing, along with three railcars [see “Three injured as CSX trains collide in Folkston, Ga.,” Trains News Wire, April 15, 2024]. CSX estimated the damage at $720,000.
The incident involved loaded rock train L74314, which was stationary on Jesup Subdivision Main Track 2, and intermodal train I03215, which was traveling northbound on Nahunta Subdivision Main Track 1 en route to Florence, S.C., when it was inadvertently diverted onto Jesup Main Track 2. The intermodal train was traveling at 28 mph at the time of the collision. With the area under a signal suspension, CSX had assigned a conductor to act as a switch tender to hand-throw four switches that were normally dual-control power switches.
In the wake of the incident, CSX issued a safety alert discussing operating requirements for dual-controlled power switches in hand position, with emphasis on reaffirming that trains approach at restricted speed until it is known switches are properly aligned.
The NTSB’s investigation continues and will focus on procedures for train movements during a signal suspension, training standards for manual operation of dual-controlled switches, and the effectiveness of job briefings.
