The tragic death of a BNSF Railway conductor occurred on Sunday in Columbus, Montana. The incident happened around 9:40 a.m., as the conductor was between two trains.
BNSF Railway Incident Details
Columbus, a small town with approximately 2,000 residents, is situated 40 miles southwest of Billings. The conductor was struck by a moving train while another train was parked on a separate track. Assistant Chief Nick Jacobs of the Columbus Fire Rescue provided details about the situation, noting that emergency responders were uncertain of how the accident transpired.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are currently investigating the incident. BNSF Railway has stated that all inquiries about the case should be directed to the NTSB. The identity of the deceased conductor has not yet been released to the public.
Safety Concerns in the Railway Industry
Last year, the FRA published a report on BNSF Railway, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures. However, it noted that safety concerns reported by front-line workers often went unaddressed due to fears of disciplinary action.
- Incident Date: Sunday, time 9:40 a.m.
- Location: Columbus, Montana
- Population of Columbus: ~2,000
- Train involved: One moving and one parked
- Agencies involved: NTSB and FRA
This investigation comes in the wake of increased scrutiny following a significant train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier in 2023. Such incidents underscore the critical need for improving safety protocols within the railway industry.
