In Memory of those lost in the Chatsworth Disaster of 9/12/2008

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On September 12 2008, Metrolink 111, headed by F59PH #855, driven by Robert Sanchez, missed a yellow signal, which means to slow down due to a red signal ahead, as a result of Sanchez texting his colleagues while operating the engine. He then missed the red signal, and then, the train crashed head-on into the Union Pacific freight train that it was supposed to be there. 24 people, including Sanchez, died instantly, and a 25th victim died in the hospital, more than 125 others were injured, and engine #855 was completely destroyed and later scrapped. It was the biggest railway disaster in the US in over 15 years. The long term effects were quite something too. First, in the state of California, it became illegal to text while driving a train, with up to a $20000 Fine. Immediately, Metrolink's famed logo vanished and their livery changed, and soon, the Hyundai Rotem Cab Cars would be bought to help improve safety using CEM (Crash Energy Management) systems, which in 2015 actually proved to be unsuccessful. Tri-Rail, GO Transit, and Sound Transit Board also now own CEM Cab Cars.

This video is dedicated in memory of all 25 people killed in the crash, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Metrolink engine #855, and all Metrolink Bombardier Cab Cars, which as a result of this wreck, would create the Hyundai Rotem Cab Cars which would have them all decommissioned.

All photographs used in this video belong to their respective owners.