Metrolink Disaster

This morning, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the employees and patrons, and their families, who have been devastated by the head-on collision near Chatsworth involving Metrolink.



Links to various news items will not be posted here, for two reasons. First, you have already read at least one, depending on the depth of your personal interest. And second, the media is doing its usual "jumping to conclusions" with certain aspects of the story, and Rip will not be an accomplice to the spreading of stories that may or may not be true.

Having been a part of the management team of a Class One, and having been involved with the media as they investigate a rail disaster, I understand fully why the usual line, "It is still too early to say what caused this disaster; our investigation is still underway and ongoing, and still inconclusive at this time" is used by the railroad's media contact. My experience is that the media rarely comes back for the facts after reporting the initial sensationalism. However, I do believe that in this particular case, a better job in reporting will ultimately happen. Until then, patience is a virtue.

No investigation or reporting will ease the pain of those who have lost so much in this disaster, as evidenced by the emotion of Metrolink's spokesperson. Once again, let's keep them all in thought and prayer.