Train derails after hitting lowboy stuck on tracks in La.

The gas coming out of the tank car was Argon, not a hazardous material, but placarded because of it being shipped in a pressure container. However, this is one huge expensive mess, the driver and the trucking company are responsible for 100% of it.

 

Ok it was a brand new crane. Came from Waverly, Ia.
Driver called 911, but did nt know to call the R.R. number that is posted at most crossings.
Now how long he was stuck on the tracks before the train hit him I do not know.
Like I posted before, this was the drivers first trip with that trl. and I was told he did not understand all the tricks and quircks of that trl..
He had only been with that company for just a little over a month and a half.
How long prior doing heavy haul work I do not know..
This is first hand info I got from a friend of mine who drives for that company...

 

after reading through other stories about this, yes it was Argon, but it was liquid argon (UN 1951). it was in a cryogenic rail car.

As it has no flammability to it, it is a level 4 health risk. it can cause severe dizziness or asphyxiation immediately upon contact. This is why the area was cleared for only 2 hours while the vapor cloud had time to dissipate.

CAS Number:7440-37-1
UN: 1951
Class 2 - Non-Flammable Gas

 

Very possible someone tried to notify the railroad. Being a prior railroad man myself, I can tell you there have been many times us and other train crews were waiting 45 minutes on the phone to get ahold of the dispatcher, yet they want to cut more desks and pile more territiory on one guy. Safety first.