IMPORTANT STORY JUST COMING TO LIGHT:
CBS 2 Investigates: Scare On The Rails
* Train Hits Two Tanks Of Fuel Left On Tracks
Jul 11, 2005 6:26 pm US/Eastern
NEW YORK (CBS) CBS Investigates has learned that shortly after the London terror attacks, there was an explosive scare on an Amtrak line, impacting a train on the way to New York from Boston.
Cheryl Fiandaca has learned that a train hit two tanks of highly explosive welding fuel, left on the tracks. It was a combination of acetylene and oxygen that many say could make up a bomb, if used by the wrong people.
It happened Saturday, just west of Mystic, Connecticut. Upon impact, the tanks exploded and burst into flames, and Amtrak says no one was hurt. Still, the train was taken out of service at New Haven, and all 112 passengers were evacuated.
CBS 2 security expert Robert Strang says it's hard to believe this type of tank would be left on a track by accident. He says, "Amtrak has to look at this very seriously."
Unfortunately, these materials are not hard to come by. Acetylene and oxygen are commonly used for welding, and while the containers are clearly marked as dangerous, no license or permit is needed to buy them.
While Amtrak does confirm this incident occurs, a spokesperson would not comment on what, if anything, is being done to investigate or safeguard the system.
http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/local_story_192171801.html
Same stuff that caused those massive explosions at the Praxair plant in St. Louis a few weeks ago.