How are runaway vehicles and out-of-control trains dealt with?

July 17, 2019, 1:55 PM
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In case of trains passing signals at danger or running through a station out of control, or moving on block sections without authority to proceed, the station master must inform the next station ahead of this occurrence (and on controlled sections must inform traffic control). The station master of that station then sets its departure and reception signals to On, and sets the points to a clear line (likely the main running line if it is clear).

In sections under traffic control, the section controller may set the departure and reception signals, for several stations along the way, to On as a precaution. Signals for adjacent lines on double or multiple sections are also set to On as there is a danger that the runaway vehicles may derail on the block section and foul adjacent lines.

Detonators are provided on the line to alert the driver if the runaway has a locomotive with a driver in it. If it is suspected the train is completely out of control and the driver perhaps disabled, points may be set for sand traps or catch sidings in order to stop the train, but usually not if there are passengers in the train except in extreme circumstances. If the runaway consists of just one or two vehicles, it is usually derailed promptly by using diverting it to a sand trap or catch siding, or even a dead-end siding or loop line, or using derailing blocks. If necessary, a sleeper or other obstruction is placed on the track.

In areas where the exchange of flag signals between the guard or driver and the station crew or signal staff when a train passes through a station is mandatory, the failure by the guard to display the all-right signal causes the train to be considered a potential runaway and subject to being faced with On signals ahead of it.

Source – IFRCA.org

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