Deadly Engineering Season 1 Episode 8 When Trains Collide

In Deadly Engineering season 1 episode 8, titled When Trains Collide, viewers are taken through a journey of one of the deadliest train accidents in history and how engineering played a crucial role in its occurrence. The episode showcases the train collision that took place on September 12, 2008, in Los Angeles, which killed 25 people and injured over 100 others.

The episode starts by introducing the two trains involved in the collision, Metrolink 111 and Union Pacific LOF65-12. While Metrolink 111 was a passenger train traveling from Union Station to Moorpark, LOF65-12 was a freight train carrying three locomotives and 52 cars. The two trains collided head-on with a combined speed of around 83 mph, leading to a catastrophic accident.

The episode then delves into the investigation that followed the accident, where engineers and experts tried to determine the cause of the crash. Through interviews with the NTSB investigators, viewers get insights into how the accident could have been prevented and why it happened.

One of the main causes of the accident, as highlighted in the episode, was the failure of the automatic train control (ATC) system, which was supposed to prevent collisions. As the experts explain, the ATC system was designed to halt a train if it went past a red signal, but it was not designed to do the same if a train accidentally entered the wrong track, which is what happened in this case.

Viewers are also taken through the physics of the crash, with animations showing how the impact of the two trains led to a massive kinetic energy release, leading to a devastating crash. Experts explain how the design of the trains can impact their ability to withstand crashes, which is why modern trains have crash-energy management features to minimize damage in case of an accident.

The episode then goes on to highlight the importance of communication and how a lack of communication between the engineers and the crew can lead to accidents. As the investigation revealed, the engineer of Metrolink 111 was texting while driving the train, which distracted him from noticing the signals and caused him to miss the red light. Additionally, the engineer of LOF65-12 had not been informed about the presence of Metrolink 111 on the track, which further complicated the situation.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to interviews with experts, including train engineers, designers, and safety experts, who provide insights into the various aspects of train safety and engineering. The show also sheds light on the challenges faced by engineers while designing trains, including the need to balance passenger comfort with safety features.

In conclusion, Deadly Engineering season 1 episode 8, When Trains Collide, takes viewers on a gripping journey through one of the deadliest train accidents in history. With a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the crash, the episode sheds light on the importance of engineering in preventing such accidents and highlights how a lack of safety features and communication can lead to catastrophic results. The episode offers a sobering reminder of how crucial it is to ensure that trains are designed and operated with the utmost care and precision, to prevent such deadly disasters from occurring again.