February 4, 2009
On Wednesday February 4th 2009 around 10am The Harrisburg
FD was dispatched to a MVA involving an Amtrak Train and Tractor
Trailer. Harrisburg Chief-9 was first to arrive on scene to find a
Amtrak passenger train verses a tractor trailer truck. Harrisburg-9
established command and assigned Harrisburg Deputy Chief-10 operations.
Harrisburg Engine 1, Engine 2 along with a CCEMS 10 and 4 were assigned
pt care and evaluated approximately 15 + passengers/crew as well as the
driver of the tractor trailer truck. No major injuries were reported.
An odor of electrical smoke was observed in one of
the passenger cars and was investigated by the crew’s from Harrisburg
Engine 1 and Jackson Park Engine 1, nothing was found/all clear given.
Harrisburg Rescue 1 was utilized and assumed the role of the command
post, while Rescue 1’s Crew were given the task to evaluate/secure the
locomotive, as well as the remains of the tractor trailer and its
contents. Due to the extreme cold the passengers remained on board the
train while awaiting for alternate transportation. Harrisburg Fire
Marshal-11 was assigned Safety and coordinated cleanup efforts with
Norfolk Southern Railway and the Trucking Company.
A small fire was observed in the remains of the
tractor, which was quickly extinguished by Harrisburg Engine 1’s crew.
Upon arrival of the taxis Harrisburg and Jackson Park personnel assisted
passengers off the train and into the taxis.
Upon completion of all assignments command
reassigned Jackson Park Engine 1 to relieve Charlotte Engine 27 at
Harrisburg Station 1. Upon the mitigation of the hazards, Command
released all companies and turned the scene over to the Norfolk Southern
Railway’s Train Master.
The cause of the crash is being investigated by
several local, state and federal agencies
Agencies/Company’s Responding
Harrisburg Companies
HB Engine 1
HB Engine 2
HB Heavy Rescue 1
HB Brush 2
HB Ladder 1 (Company Move-up to HB Station 2)
Assisting Agencies
Jackson Park VFD
Flowes Store VFD
Concord Engine 8
Concord Engine 5
Cabarrus County Sheriff Department
Cabarrus County EMS
NC SHP
NC SHP – Motor Carrier Division
Norfolk Southern Rail Police
Other Various State and Federal Agencies
Additional Companies (Stand by HFD Station 1)
Charlotte Engine 27
CFD Battalion 4
CFD Field Communications Unit |
