Real-life scenarios that are encompassed by the above test include:
- the package being struck by a train traveling 60 MPH
- the package falling off of a 30-foot high bridge onto solid rock or from a higher bridge onto a highway or railroad
- the package running into a bridge support or rock slope at 45 MPH.
Packages are transported onboard trucks or rail cars, which absorb some of the impact energy, reducing the resulting damage to the packages from the accident.
|
On May 2, 1995, an O&J Gordon Trucking Company truck consisting of a tractor and a lowbed semitrailer became lodged on a high-profile (hump) railroad grade crossing near Sycamore, South Carolina. About 35 minutes later, the truck was struck by southbound Amtrak train No. 81, Silver Star, en route from New York City to Tampa, Florida.
The two locomotive units and 14 cars of the 16 car train derailed. The train was carring 279 passengers, 9 service crewmembers, and 5 operating crewmembers. No fire ensued. No deaths resulted from the accident, but 33 persons sustained minor injuries. Combined property damage to the truck and train exceeded $1 million.
|
![[DROP test]](IMAGES/BRPDROP.JPG)
![[DROP scenario]](IMAGES/TRN_CLSN.JPG)