NTSB Number HAR-02/02NTIS Number PB2002-916202PDF Document*(1MB)*
**Executive Summary:** On November 17, 2000, about 4:35 p.m., easternstandard time, near Intercession City, Florida, a 23-axle, heavy-haul vehicle,operated by Molnar Worldwide Heavy Haul Company, was delivering a condenserto the Kissimmee Utility Authority Cane Island Power Plant. The privateaccess road to the plant crossed over a single railroad track owned byCSX Transportation, Inc. As the vehicle, traveling between 1 and 3 mph,crossed the tracks, the crossing warning devices activated and the gatescame down on the load. Seconds later, Amtrak train 97, operated by theNational Railroad Passenger Corporation, collided with the right side ofthe rear towed four-axle tractor. No injuries occurred. The collision destroyedthe tractor and caused over $200,000 damage to the train and crossing signals.
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated a similar accidentthat occurred on November 30, 1993, at the same location (Highway AccidentReport NTSB/HAR-95/01). In that accident, an overdimenson, low-clearancevehicle operated by Rountree Transport and Rigging, Inc., was en routeto deliver an 82-ton turbine to the electricity generating plant. The cargodeck of the transporter bottomed out on the roadway surface as the vehiclemoved across the tracks. To gain sufficient clearance, the four-membertruck crew shimmed the transporter while the cargo deck was on the tracks.About 12:40 p.m., the lights and bells at the grade crossing activated;the crossing gates descended, striking the turbine. Seconds later, Amtraktrain 88, carrying 10 crewmembers and 89 passengers, struck the side ofthe cargo deck and the turbine. Six people sustained serious injuries and53 suffered minor injuries. The vehicle and turbine were destroyed; thelocomotive and first three railcars were damaged extensively. Total damageexceeded $14 million.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probablecause of the November 2000 collision of Amtrak train 97 with the tractor-combinationvehicle was the failure of the Kissimmee Utility Authority, its constructioncontractors and subcontractors, and the motor carrier to provide for thesafe passage of the load over the grade crossing.
The following safety issues were identified in this accident.- The ineffective execution of the roles and responsibilities of the powercompany and its contractors and subcontractors, the Florida Departmentof Transportation, the motor carrier, the truckdriver, and pilot car driversin planning and effecting the movement of this oversize load;
- The adequacy of the railroad notification requirement;
- The consistency and availability of information regarding railroad notification;and
- The lack of low-clearance warning signs and standard 1-800 emergency numbersigns.
As a result of this accident investigation, the National TransportationSafety Board makes recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration,the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the American Associationof State Highway and Transportation Officials, the National Committee onUniform Traffic Laws & Ordinances, the Kissimmee Utility Authority,and all class 1 and regional railroads.  
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