(The Amarillo Globe-News posted the following article on its website on February 11.)
AMARILLO, Texas — An Amarillo train derailment caused by a remote-controlled operated car Sunday was caused by human error, a spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway in Fort Worth said.
There were no injuries, said Joe Faust, spokesman for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Faust said the derailment – caused by two trains that collided – occurred about 8:30 a.m. in the BNSF yard, in the 26th Avenue area inside BNSF property. Only one locomotive was involved, he said.
“Our preliminary findings (show) that the technology was not at fault, that there was human error,” Faust said. “Of course, the investigation is still undergoing.”
Faust said BNSF officials are trying to determine the extent of the damage to the cars. He said remote-controlled operated cars are not allowed outside the railway yard’s property.