Washington, D.C. – A technical review of an Amtrak derailment in Nodaway, IA, which affected 225 passengers and 16 crewmembers and resulted in one death, has been released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to the review, planning that included guidelines for search and rescue operations after a tornado contributed to the success of the rescue.
“This report offers valuable insights that will help prevent deaths and property loss in the future,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “The benefit of an ‘all hazards’ approach to incident planning is underscored by the success of the first responders who had no specific training related to derailments, but were able to respond appropriately to the situation.”
The review, compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), also noted the role of the inaccessible site in evacuating passengers. The train had derailed in a remote area bordered by open pasture and farmland, and emergency responders had to drive on the roadbed of a parallel track to reach the site. The difficulty of reaching the site, however, helped law enforcement set up a secure perimeter and keep curiosity seekers away.
Other lessons learned cited in the report include:
- The volume of radio traffic quickly overwhelmed the two-way communication system and limited 9-1-1 telephone lines. Cellular telephones were also ineffective. Incident planning should include provisions for alternate means of communications;
- Train doors jammed when the derailment occurred and the train lost electrical power. The windows were not breakable and the cars were two stories high with narrow stairways, delaying search and research efforts;
- The absence of emergency lighting in the train contributed to the disorientation of the passengers as they tried to exit the train;
- Freezing temperatures at the time of the derailment helped stabilize the unpaved road bed but made shelter an issue for those non-injured passengers who were evacuated; and
- The number of ambulances was quickly exhausted and school buses and privately owned vehicles were pressed into service to move passengers to safety. Future planning for a similar event should identify the types and sources for equipment that could be requires in a multiple casualty incident.
“With so many emergency responders from local and state agencies responding to this incident, one can only imagine the challenges faced. These responders overcame remoteness of the location, darkness, cold, communication issues and a lack of specific training to rescue nearly 250 people,” said US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison. “Lessons learned from this report underscore the importance of preparing, training and exercising for all hazards, by all first responders and departments.”
USFA develops reports on selected major fires, usually involving multiple deaths or a large loss of property. The objective reviews are intended to uncover significant “lessons learned” or new knowledge about firefighting or to underscore ongoing issues in fire service. USFA, which has no regulatory authority, sends an experienced fire investigator to the community after a major incident only after conferring with local fire authorities.
Amtrak’s westbound California Zephyr passenger train derailed in the evening of March 17, 2001 in a rural section if Iowa. Two engines and nine of the 15 cars left the tracks. The Corning Volunteer Fire Departments was hosting its annual fundraiser at the time of the derailment and the entire department was able to immediately respond. Spouses of firefighters also went into action to assist the local hospital and to shelter and feed the uninjured passengers. The rescue lasted about three hours. In addition to one passenger death, 96 people were injured and transported to six area hospitals.
A copy of the full report can be ordered by going to: www.usfa.fema.gov/applications/publications/tr143.shtm.
