In this day and age, how does something like this happen ?

[frayne]

With today's technology I am simply amazed that something like this happens, almost makes us look third world.

The westbound train had three locomotives and 80 railcars that were carrying motor vehicles, she said. Two of that train's locomotives and a locomotive from the eastbound train caught fire after the collision, she said.


3 people missing after trains collide in Oklahoma - Yahoo! News

 

[Htown Harry]

Looking at pictures on Google maps, that stretch of track is arrow-straight and the land is table-flat, so speeds were probably up over 50 mph in both directions.

Not all trains or track segments have the automation and safety features of the most modern signaling systems. I'm guessing it was a human or electronic version of either "asleep at the switch" or "blew past the signal".

In the olden days, switches were all operated by hand. Those guys have all retired, of course, replaced by electric switches that can be operated from a big control center in Omaha.

 

[JOHNNIE36]

Htown Harry, "blew past the signal" probably, as in "texting while driving".

 

[paigeknotts]

i agree it is most likely a human error, we take all things very lightly until it hits us on our faces.

 

[Gumby]

Htown Harry, "blew past the signal" probably, as in "texting while driving".

Wouldn't be the first time. Train engineer was texting just before California crash | Reuters