File 2006.11: Graniteville Train Accident

Case Type: Railroad Collision / Environmental

Description:
A Norfolk Southern train traveling NW at about 47 mph, collided with parked Norfolk Southern rail cars facing SE, derailing both locomotives and 16 of 42 cars on the first train, as well as the locomotive and 1 of 2 cars on the second train and releasing a cloud of deadly chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. Nine people died as a result of the accident. The parked train was hit due to an improperly-lined railroad switch.

Visualizations Produced:
The NTSB report, expert data, accident photos, USGS Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Norfolk Southern Locomotive specifications were reviewed to accurately recreate the accident scene in 3D. The two trains were then placed on the tracks at their appropriate speeds and locations allowing for an animation showing expert motion up to impact.