More Darwin Award Winners

[Bob Bufkin]

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/gregg-allman-movie-death/

[Philip H]

So if they knew about two of the trains . . . that implies CSX and the film crew were in communication at some point.  A stack train that big doesn't normally run as an extra . . . . sad the camera person had to die.

[Scottl]

That is not Darwin material.  That is negligence on somebodies part.

[Virginia Atlantic]

If I had to to guess, I'd guess that CSX was not notified, and this was being done without appropriate permission.

Had CSX known, you'd think they'd have taken steps to have staff on-site and fully informed by dispatch of local train movements.

That doesn't seem to be the case, but we're only getting part of the story, obviously.

[lock4244]

If I had to to guess, I'd guess that CSX was not notified, and this was being done without appropriate permission.

Had CSX known, you'd think they'd have taken steps to have staff on-site and fully informed by dispatch of local train movements.

That doesn't seem to be the case, but we're only getting part of the story, obviously.

If CSX had known, they'd have assigned a foreman to provide protection via a permit from the dispatcher. It seems impossible that CSX knew they were on the tracks, unless they messed up... which I have to say seems unlikely.

[packers#1]

What it boils down to, I think, is we need more info; it does sound as if they didn't have proper authorization to be filming, but it is possible that someone could have just dropped the ball on informing whoever CSX may have assigned to the film crew of an extra train or something; an unlikely error but still possible.

[Philip H]

well someone knew, because the story clearly states that the film crew knew about (And presumably avoided) 2 previous trains.  How they accomplished that is not stated.  Also, the CSX statement that's quoted would have been differently if the track work was used in an unauthorized fashion.

[Kisatchie]

I just found this update to the story:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/21/movie-crew-hit-by-train-wasnt-supposed-be-on-track-officials-say/?intcmp=latestnews

Doesn't look good for the film crew.


Hmm... they could be
charged with a
misdemeanor...

[C855B]

More:

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-georgia-sarah-jones-csx-gregg-allman-20140221,0,6107161.story

[Scottl]

This raises more questions than answers in some ways.  CSX would not confirm that the film crew did not have permission, and it seems they did have permission to be on the adjacent private land.  CSX apparently knew they were out there, too. 

[Ike the BN Freak]

This raises more questions than answers in some ways.  CSX would not confirm that the film crew did not have permission, and it seems they did have permission to be on the adjacent private land.  CSX apparently knew they were out there, too.

Reading the article that Kiz posted, looks like the land adjacent belongs to the paper mill, and they had permission to be on that land, and CSX knew they would be there, however doesn't seem they were given permission by CSX to be on the tracks.

So them waiting for the first two trains, and missing the third,  seems like someone watched trains there prior, and assumed, wrongly, that they were on a schedule of sorts. 

[Scottl]

You might be right.  I suspect there is more to this story.

[kornellred]

I am reasonably sure that no one is allowed to be on any railroad tracks, anywhere, at any time, without permission from the railroad, which will not be obtained unless it is of some benefit to the railroad.  CSX would have ensured the safety of people on the tracks if permission had been obtained.  No other scenario is even thinkable, given the nature of physical law.

[bdennis]

When making a movie, some just build their own railroad and stay clear of the big boys... -

[Scottl]

No other scenario is even thinkable, given the nature of physical law.

I can think of one: CSX screwed up.  I'm sure we will find out.