If RVers are like cats with nine lives, one in Langley, British Columbia, used up one of his nine lives this week. On Tuesday, a Class A motorhome decided to conk out in the worst place—on a railroad crossing. It was a case of train versus motorhome, and the outcome was predictable.
Canadian media reports that Mounties confirmed at about 10:30 on Tuesday morning, a man was attempting to cross the grade near 201 Street, north of 98 Avenue, near the Golden Ears Bridge. For whatever reason, the engine stalled. The man stayed with the rig, attempting to get it to restart. Fortunately, he heard the horn of an approaching CN train engine. Seconds before the train hit the coach, the man jumped from the rig and ran across the tracks.
Readers can only imagine what must have gone through the RVer’s mind as he watched the tragedy of train versus motorhome unfold.
##RVT1147b
This would surely put that pit in your diaphragm watching this unfold!
And cause your “cheeks” to pucker up😱
Am I mistaken or was that guy waving at the train as if to say “stop”?
That truly is a very bad day. RIP RV.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Wow! How awful! I wonder if the lead engine of the train sustained any damage? I kinda doubt it. In any case, far, far less than the RV; poor RV. 🙁 I wonder if there was enough left of the mechanical parts to determine why the RV stalled? Safe travels! 🙂
Engineer looked at the front of the train and said “It’ll buff out”.
🤔😯😆😅😂🤣
Around 1988 or 1989 we were on a cross-country trip and were in Stowbridge, Massachusetts. Our 1987 Bounder had an electric fuel pump behind an access panel, about two-thirds of the way back. We were driving very slowly in keeping with the road and neighborhood. As we started across the track the engine died. The electric fuel pump quit working and the fuel pump on the engine couldn’t pull gas from the tank. The little reservoir that exists on carburetors became empty. Meanwhile, a switching engine was moving some freight cars and sat there waiting for us to solve the problem. I had an inspiration. I took off the gas cap and blew many times into the tank, then tried starting. It ran.
About three years ago in Biloxi, MS a touring bus with some 30 plus passengers got hung up on an elevated road railroad crossing. As people tried to get out thus allowing the bus to gain traction, a train came at some 30 mph and hit the bus in the middle killing 3 or 4 passengers and injuring many more; all elderly. The bus company driver was found at fault because he was instructed to cross the track at another crossing where not likely to get hung up. Court action is still pending but whatever, it will be costly.
Insurance Company: Engine stalled eh?
Driver: Aye?
Insurance Company: On a railroad track?
Driver: Aye?
Insurance Company: With a train coming?
Driver: Aye?
Insurance Company: At the end of camping season?
Driver: Aye?
Insurance Company: …….
Thank you, Russ and Tina! It looked as though the train made no effort to stop, but it later became apparent that it did. Trains have huge stopping distances. Was very little left intact to know what the train hit unless one saw the RV before the impact. Yikes! This certainly serves as a graphic reminder to be very careful at train crossings. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
According to the Federal Railroad Administration a train will stop about a mile after it hits you depending on load, speed, incline, weather, etc.
https://traintrackshq.com/how-long-does-it-take-a-train-to-stop/
Thank you, Dave! Boy! That is a very long stopping distance! Wow! 🙂
I still like the one where the train hit the giant wind turbine blade…hah!
I wonder, no mention of anyone else, but it is not too often someone is traveling alone. Wife? Dog? Maybe a cat?
Hi, Dan. I just checked some of the local news sources online and they all report “no injuries.” Hopefully that includes people and/or animals. Have a good evening. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com