Eight cars derailed at CSX's Frontier Yard in Cheektowaga on Monday,
February 9. Five cars toppled over completed, three of them were LPG
cars containing residual amounts of liquid propane. Cheektowaga
emergency crews responded but did not put a hazmat plan into action.
Cheektowaga television station WIVB reported that the train was being
operated by remote control at the time of the derailment. The station
also interviewed a train crew member who asked to remain anonymous. The
individual's voice was disguised when appearing on television, but a
printed version of the story also appeared on the WIVB website.
The anonymous employee said, "These remote controls have been shoved
down our throat. They think they're more efficient, more effective, more
safe. Well, you can see how safe they are."
The CSX employee said there have been several accidents around the
country involving remote control train cars, many involving injury.
"They think it's more safe than a two man job which is completely
ridiculous. This is another accident that will more than likely be
shoved under the rug."
