Thursday, June 30, 2016

BNSF train wreck update


Train service resumed at 1:30 this afternoon. Nothing more eerie than the sound of the train whistles at the crossings after three days of silence. The effort to find the last victim is ongoing, the cleanup is ongoing, the whole effort is massive and the support of the community has been awe inspiring. Churches are rotating fixing meals for the workers, supplies and comforts are pouring in to the Methodist church, and all the churches are open around the clock for the workers to seek comfort and counseling.

The names of the two men who have been recovered have been released; the third, however, has not been made public. I was given the information by a BNSF source, but out of respect to the person's loved ones, I won't post it until it's given to the media.

Mr. Kenneth Smith, Jr, 59, was a conductor and had worked for BNSF for 39 years. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and a son and daughter. Smith's son works for BNSF in the Network Operations Center in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Mr. Cody Owens, 52, was a locomotive engineer and had worked for BNSF for almost 22 years. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and two sons and a  daughter.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these three individuals.






4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is there any status update on the survivor? Originally our news said he was in critical condition. Have they upgraded his status?

Exile1981

hiswiserangel said...

There's very little info on the survivor. Conflicting reports. Last I heard, he'd been transferred to the Burn Unit in Lubbock.

Unknown said...

May They Rest In Peace. God be with their families in their time of need. Such loss and sadness.

Steve Sky said...

Hi,
I was wondering if you have any updates from the train derailment, and would be willing to share them.

Thanks,
Steve