This is actually within the Washington, D.C. city limits. I believe the location can be seen from here: http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v...t=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=6579472&encType=1
Another link but still not too much info. This one says the coal train was rear-ended by another freight. Oil and hydraulic fluid fron coal cars? http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/09/train.derailment/index.html
I saw that comment by the spokesperson. While I don't think that person has a clue about how trains operate, I do wonder if the bottom dump doors (if that is indeed what I am seeing) operate on hydraulics. And wouldn't coal itself be causing some of that sheen?
Went down to the site this morning and snapped a few pics. Could not get to close but it was a real mess. Here is a link to my slideshow YouTube - CSX Anacostia River Derailment Slideshow Also CSX's preliminary report has been posted CSXT Issues Preliminary Findings at Anacostia Bridge Derailment - Yahoo! News
There was no rear end collision. Crew imporperly handled ground air on a cut of cars without properly applying hand brakes and it rolled out on the portion of the Anacostia River bridge that has been undergoing repairs for the past year, and was out of service at the time.
