Train derails in Matteson; 'long-term' evacuations underway

MATTESON, Ill. (WLS) -- A train derailed Thursday morning in far south suburban Matteson, a spokesman for the village said.

Chopper 7 was over the scene about 11:30 a.m., and multiple cars were derailed in the area of 21740 Main St.

The spokesman said the train involved is from the Canadian National Railway Company.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, but officials were looking at a leaking train car.

The village spokesman said a white powdery substance seen leaking from one car was tested by CN, who said it is not hazardous.

Fuel costs can be controlled through hedging. But when you take out the highs, you are also taking out the lows. So it won’t lower fuel costs, but it will control them and make them knowable.

Breakdowns can also be controlled and made knowable. With proper data management, and knowledge of maintenance levels, there shouldn’t be any surprises.

“For days” - Someone must have calculated that leaving a locomotive sitting was cheaper than keeping it in good running order or replacing it with new equipment. Probably not a powertrain breakdown if it couldn’t be towed to the shop; bad wheel or broken axle made from cheap Chinese steel would be the likely cause if it couldn’t be cleared for days. Or a track failure, which would have been picked up by routine testing absent a cost-benefit analysis.

The ‘for hours’ part would more likely be a crew timing out rather than mechanical. If it was mechanical, again lack of proactive maintenance due to cost would be likely.

Or a track failure, which would have been picked up by routine testing absent a cost-benefit analysis....that’s what happens when a company lays-off folks to save money, boost stock price and builds longer and heavier trains to move on tracks that aren’t designed for that and you don’t have the necessary track inspectors rolling around on their hi-rails. I’m seeing replacing tracks and ties on a more frequent basis.

The ‘for hours’ part would more likely be a crew timing out rather than mechanical. If it was mechanical, again lack of proactive maintenance due to cost would be likely...timing out happens when the crew is sitting in a location due to a mechanical failure or underpowered train because the company doesn’t have enough equipment due to maintenance/repairs, they’ve sold off or they don’t have enough crews to replace crews.

The companies have done this cost cutting crap, ordered by railroad guys that take orders from hedge funds and boards that doesn’t the difference between a locomotive and a moped.

When CSX was taken over, the company had already began a time when they expected a 35% reduction in personnel due to retirements. They didn’t have to fire anyone. They could have let the reductions happen organically or may have tossed an incentive or two to help folks leave a little earlier. Sometimes working with the unions and pension board to make some accommodations. NAH!!!!! Lets just blow it to all hell.

senior leadership loaded up on outstanding stock before he took over.

Harrison and his hedge fund puppet master were welcomed with open arms and allowed to do whatever they wanted by company executives and the board of directors.

I don’t for sure, but I never heard any of the union officials raising sand about all the layoffs. Perhaps they were buying stock and made an offer to keep their mouths shut.

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