Survive a Train Wreck
There are many different types of train disasters, such as collisions, derailments, fires and level crossing accidents. However, safety guidelines for what to do after one of these accidents are often overlooked, despite the prominence of trains as a form of public transport. This guide should assist you in knowing how to survive a train wreck.
Contents
Steps
Dealing with the situation
- Listen to all announcements on the PA. Follow all directions given by the train driver, even if they contradict the instructions in this article - they know best.
- Alert the driver or conductor. Use any emergency alarms or intercoms nearby.
- Assess the situation. Has the train started to stop? If so, then there is no need to worry. Just wait for the train to stop. If it hasn't then stop the train using the steps in this article.
- Move to the next car back (or away from danger) if possible.
- Immediately contact the emergency services if possible and report the situation. They will then inform the local train dispatcher and operations control. They will also dispatch assistance to deal with the situation.
- Make a decision. If it is absolutely necessary to exit the train i.e. you are in immediate danger, then you should proceed to the following steps. Otherwise you should remain on the train. You should only evacuate the train in the event that you are in immediate danger e.g. due to a large fire that you cannot avoid by moving to another car. This still applies even if the train has derailed or collided with another train. If you are unsure whether you need to evacuate the train or not then you should not evacuate the train. Remember that if you evacuate the train then you become the person in charge of the evacuation.
- An exception to this is if you are expressly instructed to evacuate the train by a member of staff or the emergency services. If so, then follow their instructions.
Evacuating the train
- Leave any non-essential luggage on the train. Remember that personal belongings can be replaced, lives cannot be replaced.
- Assess the situation. Are you on the top floor of a multi level train? If so then go to the end of the train. Then, exit through the end of the train. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
- Look for an emergency exit door.
- Open the door if you can. If the door will not open, then look around for an emergency door release switch, handle or level nearby. Use it to open the door.
- Look for an emergency exit window if you cannot open the doors. Just keep in mind that train windows are typically made with impact resistant glass. In such a case then breaking the window will not be possible unless a hammer is provided. If a hammer is provided then use it to break the window. If not then you should continue onto the next step.
- Find an escape hatch if there is no other way of leaving the train e.g. it is derailed. These hatches are usually in the ceiling or floor, and opened by turning a lever on them or by revealing them. They are on the upper decks of multi-deck trains.
- Help other passengers out of the train. Instruct them to leave any non-essential luggage on the train.
- Escape the train and stay well clear. Make sure to direct other passengers to a safe location. If they refuse to do so, then don't let their indecision slow you down. Be aware that if the train you are on is also carrying dangerous or combustible materials, you will need to avoid these as you make your escape.
- Stay well clear of train tracks. Do not walk on them or step on them, as trains can approach without warning. They may also be electrified.
- Call the emergency services once you are in a safe location, and are out of the way and out of danger. They will then inform the local train dispatcher and operations control. They will also dispatch assistance to deal with the situation.
- Take extra care if you are evacuating the train in a tunnel or on top of a viaduct. Otherwise, you could easily get injured or worse still you could be killed.
- Await the assistance of the emergency services where you are. They will come and find you.
Tips
- In a catastrophic derailment, the car-end doors are your best route.
- On bi-level trains, remain on the top level and move towards the rear if possible. The lower level is your plan B if you are not already on it.
- To help increase you and your fellow passengers' chance of survival in a train disaster, follow these guidelines:
- Keep aisles clear of any suitcases, bags or other items that might hinder escape in an emergency.
- Stow suitcases and bags securely to prevent them from becoming deadly missiles in a crash.
- When boarding the train, look for your shortest escape route and familiarize yourself with safety features such as an emergency alarm or intercom. Other safety features include: emergency door releases, emergency exit windows (and window hammers), fire extinguishers, the emergency brake (if provided), first aid boxes and emergency equipment cupboards.
- On Amtrak trains, safety announcements or videos play over the PA or entertainment system after leaving union stations (stations shared with other Train Operating Companies). All seat backs are equipped with evacuation cards explaining the specific procedure for your train.
- On other trains, evacuation cards may be provided throughout the train. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest one and if you are able to read it, do so.
Warnings
- Never step on the "third rail" while evacuating. This rail supplies electricity to trains and will cause instant death if touched, as it can carry 750 volts of electricity or more. For comparison, a household mains voltage can be anywhere from 110 to 240 volts depending on where you live.
- Avoid using stairwells if at all possible. These can be choke points if a stampede occurs.
- Bend your knees when exiting the train. This applies particularly if you are exiting through the top level end doors as it could be over {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} to the ground.
- Windows are an exit of last resort: Train windows are designed to be very impact resistant and frequently weigh in excess of 100 pounds. Unless a window hammer is provided the odds of being able to break a window are quite slim.
- If there are multiple sets of tracks, exit the train in the direction without tracks (or the fewest if you're in the middle). Trains operating on other tracks could still be traveling. Don't rely on a signal being at danger as a train may pass it either inadvertently or with the dispatcher's authority.
- Never touch the Overhead Line Equipment while evacuating. These wires supply electricity to trains and will cause instant death if touched, as it can carry 25 kilovolts of electricity or more.
- Never touch any lineside equipment while evacuating. This may be electrically live.
- Avoid evacuating the train unless you are in immediate danger or you are expressly instructed to do so by a member of train crew, railway staff or the emergency services. Otherwise the safest place for you to be is on the train.
