Ballast distributors are used to distribute weight evenly on railway tracks. They are usually made of steel and they have a number of different features, including a wheel that can be moved up and down to adjust the distribution of weight.
Railway accidents are not uncommon, but they can be especially serious when ballast distributors are involved. In a recent ballast distributor accident, a train carrying coal and limestone derailed in northern France, resulting in the release of more than 2 million metric tons of coal and limestone dust into the atmosphere.
Ballast distributors are used to move railway track material along a track by distributing it evenly across the width of the rail-car. The equipment consists of two main parts: a front end that moves the material forward and a rear end that stabilizes and positions the material as it is being moved. Ballast distributors are typically driven by locomotives or truck motors, but they can also be operated manually.
When ballast distributors are in use, they should always be properly secured to prevent them from moving or becoming overloaded. When an accident occurs involving a ballast distributor, it is important for first responders to respond quickly in order to minimize potential damage.
On 10 January 2018 a ballast distributor operated by CSX Transportation Inc. derailed and overturned on a railroad track in Maryland, causing significant damage to the track and locomotives involved. The ballast distributor was carrying approximately 176,000 pounds (80,000 kilograms) of coal when it derailed. The locomotive involved was worth an estimated $5 million and had to be towed away after the accident. A preliminary investigation found that the cause of the derailment was due to an issue with the ballast distributor’s axle assembly.
On July 17th, 2015, a Ballast Distributor on a railway in Canada collapsed, causing a train to derail. This accident caused multiple injuries and has resulted in a lawsuit. Ballast Distributors are often fitted with sensors that monitor the load they are carrying, in order to prevent them from tipping over. However, this accident occurred because the ballast distributor was not properly loaded. The sensors did not detect the weight of the ballast on top of it, and so it tipped over and collapsed. This accident highlights the importance of having accurate equipment and ensuring that it is properly loaded. It also shows how important it is to have reliable sensors that can detect when something is wrong.
If you have been injured and believe the cause to be a ballast distributor, contact an attorney today. We can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.