Light Rail Train Derailment in Portland on Icy Tracks
A Trimet light rail commuter train derailed earlier this morning in Portland, Oregon likely due to ice on the tracks. Earlier this week, Portland received 8 to 12″ of snow. Travel problems have been widespread over the region since the big storm dropped the accumulations.
Expect major MAX delays due to a derailment at Rose Quarter. Use alternate transportation. https://t.co/kCG3UVW05C
— TriMet (@trimet) January 13, 2017
@mattrabe @RachaelKGW @KGWNews The switches in the tracks are frozen. We're working on it!
— TriMet (@trimet) January 13, 2017
"Unheard of" That's how @trimet describes the Max train derailment caused by ice. All #trimet service affected. #pdxtraffic #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/gTV4qvCkht
— Brian Wood (@BrianWoodKATU) January 13, 2017
According to the Portland Tribune: TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt, speaking on KPAM radio at 7:30 a.m., said the situation was unique for the MAX line: Ice had never built up enough to force a train off the tracks before today. It’s unknown if the train or the wheels were damaged, she said, although crews were working on the problem as she spoke.
According to KATU: According to TriMet spokesperson Roberta Altstadt, the train switched onto a little-used section of track that had become coated with ice, causing the derailment. The train was shifted off to the right of the tracks at a multi-track junction, but all train cars remained upright.
Right now @trimet MAX train derailed at Moda Center. Tracks covered in snow and ice. #kgwweather @KGWNews pic.twitter.com/b0HlBYoELs
— Rachael Rafanelli (@RachaelKGW) January 13, 2017
MAX derailed. TriMet trying to thaw tracks. #pdxtraffic #TriMet pic.twitter.com/VKX9JRhT9N
— Dcn. Roger Reynolds (@deaconrogerj) January 13, 2017
Cars remained upright after the derailment. Crews worked for several hours to unfreeze the tracks, using blow torches. A large truck was used to assist in moving the train cars.
Crews are using blow torches this morning to melt the ice on the MAX train tracks. @KOINNews #koin6news #pdx pic.twitter.com/hsj8PcQAfr
— Claire Anderson (@ClaireKOIN) January 13, 2017
Blowtorch brigade melting ice in front of derailed MAX. Could really use some marshmallows right about now. Live updates on @fox12oregon pic.twitter.com/i1ciozeeID
— Joe Vithayathil (@JoeVFox12) January 13, 2017
#trimet Brandt truck, which will help the max train to get back on the track. pic.twitter.com/oLUS6duObU
— Lane Jensen (@lanejensenpdx) January 13, 2017
After about 4 hours, the Trimet train was back on the tracks. Rail service is expected to remain slow throughout the day as trains will move well below typical speeds to avoid additional ice issues.
Update – derailed train is back on the tracks #kgwweather #PortlandSnow @KGWNews pic.twitter.com/zRu1UeXUB7
— Rachael Rafanelli (@RachaelKGW) January 13, 2017
On the move! #kgwweather pic.twitter.com/nL3pnll8Ru
— Rachael Rafanelli (@RachaelKGW) January 13, 2017
Traffic problems have been felt throughout the region all week. Dry conditions with temperatures in the 30s the next few days will help to melt away the snow and ice.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPISkVyBx26/?taken-by=jeepblvd
[Credit: YouTube/Michael Demidenko via Storyful]
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels