What derailed that train?

Of course, there are questions that need answered, in due time, as to what caused a train derailment in the city at the Columbus Avenue overpass on Saturday. It could have been catastrophic, but, fortunately, the loss of life and serious injury both were avoided if only by luck. Train cars derailed and some landed on Columbus Avenue in the subway area of the street. The damage to the subway structure and the street appears extensive. The train derailment knocked out power for about 1,500 electric customers Saturday as the train cars became tangled in power lines and brought down poles. A train derailed, spilling cars and liquid into the Columbus Avenue underpass just before 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Register photo/BILL THEISEN It's fortunate there wasn't a worse outcome from the derailment, but knowing full well the cause for what happened is the first, most important step in preventing it from happening again. Importantly, a thorough review of the timeline and mechanics of this accident, from when the train left the station to when it derailed and the clean-up is finished, is what city, state and federal officials should expect and arrange to get and to be shared with the public. Everyone can be grateful nobody was hurt. The physical damages to the railroad, the overpass and the street and sidewalk area below all can be repaired. But the next time, if something like this happens again, it could be more devastating, and someone could be hurt or killed. It seems like pure luck everyone escaped safely this time. It's a first draft of history that engine problems may have been a contributing factor, and the environmental impact of paraffin leaking from a train car might be of little or no consequence. The railroad company, Norfolk Southern, will send a report to the Federal Railroad Administration. Still, we expect that city, county and state officials will have a clear and present viewpoint as the facts are determined and the damage estimates are finalized. It's important to know what caused this accident. If it's a once-in-100-years freak and circumstantial event, that's one thing. But if the overpass' infrastructure was failing or damaged, or if it is now, it's important we find that out. If train maintenance issues are a contributing factor, how can that be successfully remedied? Facts are facts and answers are all that's needed from this investigation.