More E&N Trouble

K.V.Div

Member
As if the Esquimalt and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island has not had enough problems:(
A short southbound freight is beleved to be the cause of a number of brushfires between Jayem (MP 84.4) and Wellington (MP 77.3) on the afternoon of April 5th.
One fire started close to the bridge next to Green Lake at MP 79.9 and quickly spread to engulf it.
The bridge is a pile trestle about 170ft in length and, according to witneses, was burning from end to end for about 15 minutes before fire crews from Nanaimo and Lantzville arrived to put the fire out.
While the bridge is still standing, damage is quite severe, with the rails twisted and most of the timbers and piles badly scorched.
Initial reports say that it could take at least a month to rebuild. :(

Terry
 

K.V.Div

Member
Fire Investigators have attended the scenes of 8 brushfires along 3 miles of the E&N line between Jayem and wellington and the cause is now starting to lean towards arson.
Inspectors have checked the RDC which passed the location at about 3:00 PM, as well as the wayfreight which followed shortly afterwards and found no signs of problems with any journals, bearings or brakes.
Also, the fact that the fires seemed to break out about an hour after the last train had passed has lead to the suspicion that foul play was involved.
Untill the Bridge can be rebuilt or repaired, the VIA Rail Dayliner form Victoria to Courtenay will only run as far as Nanaimo and lay over for a few hours while the passengers complete their trip by bus.
 

Matthyro

Will always be re-membered
What is it with people that will turn to arson for kicks or whatever else motivates them. Railroads have enough to worry about without problems like these. Hope whoever is guilty gets caught
 

ENR3870

New Member
Latest news story on CH says the line could be reopened as early as April 22. According to the E&N General Manager, Anne Venema.
 

K.V.Div

Member
The line re-opened on Tuesday the 20th, two days ahead of schedule.
Core samples of all the pilings showed that the damage was superficial and as a result only the bracing, caps, stringers, ties and rails needed to be replaced.
 
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