RAILROAD ACCIDENT REPORT-PENN CENTRAL COMPANY ELECTROCUTION OF JUVENILE TRESPASSER ON PENN CENTRAL TRACKS AT WASHINGTON, D.C. - MAY 14, 1971

DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT ARE GIVEN; IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE ARE FEW EFFECTIVE WARNING INDICATORS IN AND AROUND THE ACCIDENT AREA AND NO BARRIERS THAT WOULD DISCOURAGE TRESPASSERS. COMPOUNDING THE HAZARD IN THE AREA IS A PARKING LOT ON WHICH CHILDREN CONGREGATE TO PLAY. THERE ARE NO POSITIVE SEPARATION BARRIERS BETWEEN THE RAILROAD AND THE PARKING LOT. ALSO PROMINENT IN CAUSAL FACTORS TO THE INJURY OF THE POLICEMAN IS THE PRACTICE OF PENN CENTRAL OF IMMEDIATELY RESTORING AN ACTUATED CIRCUIT BREAKER WHEN THE CAUSE OF ACTUATION IS NOT KNOWN. RECOMMENDATIONS EVOLVING FROM THE INVESTIGATION ARE FOR MORE AND BETTER SIGNS, FENCING, AND A GENERAL IMPROVED WAY OF KEEPING TRESPASSERS OFF RAILROAD PROPERTY. THERE IS ALSO RECOMMENDED ACTION TO CHANGE THE MANNER OF POWER RESTORAL IN CASES OF OUTAGES AND EXPEDITE THE REMOVAL OF SIDE-END LADDERS TO KEEP PEOPLE OFF THE TOP OF BOX CARS.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • NTSB-RAR-72-3
• Corporate Authors:

  National Transportation Safety Board

  490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20594
• Publication Date: 1971-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 26 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash causes; Electrical equipment; Prevention; Railroad cars; Safety; Signs
• Old TRIS Terms: Electric shock
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00221797
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 21 1973 12:00AM