Los Angeles- Train smashes crashed plane seconds after LAPD rescue pilot

[Snattlerake]

Pilot pulled from crashed plane in Pacoima moments before Metrolink train slammed into aircraft

Shocking video shows the moment a Metrolink train slammed into a small plane that crashed on its tracks in Pacoima on Sunday, and the pilot was rescued just in time.

abc7.com

 

[dennishoddy]

I've always wondered why with all the technology we possess, there isn't cameras at each intersection that would give a warning to trains that the crossing is blocked miles ahead of when they are getting there? I understand there are idiots that cross with the cross arms down, but that's on them.
It takes a long time to shut down a train, so my scenario wouldn't work in every incident, but why not?

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

...why with all the technology we possess, there isn't cameras at each intersection that would give a warning to trains that the crossing is blocked...

Only effective if the cameras are working; kinda' like the recent subway shooting in Brooklyn; Cameras malfunctioned during NYC subway shooting

 

[rickm]

the best thing that i have been told from someone that worked 25 years with the RR is if your stuck on some tracks to grab some jumper cables or a log chain and connect the 2 rails together and it will trip the switch to the signal down the track.

 

[dennishoddy]

the best thing that i have been told from someone that worked 25 years with the RR is if your stuck on some tracks to grab some jumper cables or a log chain and connect the 2 rails together and it will trip the switch to the signal down the track.

Your correct, it will, but typically that is only to signal for the arms to drop at the crossing, and may not be soon enough for a 150 car train to shut down in time, but its worth a shot!
We had kids use wire in town several years ago to do just that. Then main street in town would be shut down for quite awhile before the RR folks could get there and find the wire.