(Houston television station KPRC posted the following article on its website on March 25.)
HOUSTON — An advisory was issued for stolen railroad devices that could be used to derail trains, the News2Houston Investigators reported in an exclusive story Tuesday.
The devices, known as derails, clamp to the side of railroad tracks to take a train off the tracks. The purpose is to keep the train away from workers on the tracks or to keep a train on the right track by preventing it from veering to another track.
The derails have been reported as missing throughout Texas — nine in east Texas since January. One was stolen in Winnsboro this month, officials said.
While the FBI said that there is not a specific threat, federal officials told rail workers to keep their eyes open and stay alert.
Police who patrol near the tracks are also keeping an eye out for anyone tampering with the devices.
Officers said that since they can be sold for scrap metal, derails have been stolen for years. The advisory was issued due to the large number missing recently in Texas, according to authorities.
Residents who live near railroad tracks are concerned. In addition to derailments and accidents, neighbors said that they are now concerned about terrorists intentionally causing railcar disasters.
“We’ve got families here,” said Jannette Guttierez. “I hope (the terrorists) never do (that) because we’re not looking for nothing like that.”
The FBI said that the advisory was meant to keep the industry informed and to possibly prevent an attack.
If the feds had knowledge of a specific threat, more serious action would be taken to safeguard the public, officials said.