Forney, Texas – A blown knuckle on an eastbound Union Pacific train caused alarm with nearby residents who reported hearing a loud boom or explosive noise. The sound was reported around 7 p.m. on Sunday night, January 26, 2014.
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According to the train's engineer, the front and rear engines maintain radio communication at all times. Shortly before the noise was reported, the rear engine failed to maintain communication with the front engine and the train switched into an emergency stop mode.
After the breaks initiated, a knuckle (see image below) inbetween two carts near the front of the train blew – which caused a loud boom noise.
“We were at the house and heard it over the TV and everything,” said John Rooney who lives near the train tracks. “It sounded like a jet airplane, rocket, or something exploding.”
The train came to a halt near Windmill Farms Boulevard where the 23-year-old engineer inspected the nearly 9,000-foot train and replaced the blown knuckle. “It's typical for the knuckle to make a loud noise when they blow,” he said. “They are made of solid iron.”
The train was repaired and on its way to Longview, Texas, at 8:37 p.m.
After the breaks initiated, a knuckle (see image below) inbetween two carts near the front of the train blew – which caused a loud boom noise.
“We were at the house and heard it over the TV and everything,” said John Rooney who lives near the train tracks. “It sounded like a jet airplane, rocket, or something exploding.”
The train came to a halt near Windmill Farms Boulevard where the 23-year-old engineer inspected the nearly 9,000-foot train and replaced the blown knuckle. “It's typical for the knuckle to make a loud noise when they blow,” he said. “They are made of solid iron.”
The train was repaired and on its way to Longview, Texas, at 8:37 p.m.