The Veterans parade train wreck - this is sad and astounding at the same time

[ReRe]

7. A horrible accident that should never have had the CHANCE to happen

K&R

Yes, the driver of the semi should be held responsible. That was PRECIOUS cargo. My heart grieves for those families and that community.

However, I think the city of Midland should be held partially responsible as well. That train should never have been traveling down that track while this parade was going on. I know this first hand. I was chairman of a historical festival in a small midwest town recently, which included a railroad that ran through the middle of town. The parade route passed over those tracks. We were required by Homeland Security to contact the railroad and have them halt any travel down that track for several hours on that day for safety. We did, and it was done. No trains for the agreed period of time. We made sure, in advance, that what happened in Midland would never have a chance to happen at our local community celebration. I hope the town had adequate insurance, because they are going to get smacked with an avalanche of suits very soon, coming from all directions.