To all: I see no reason to report on suicides or other tragedys affecting former EL lines today. In almost all cases, the Engineer and train crew cannot prevent the accident/suicide from occurring. In summer 1965 or 1966, I was a witness to a crossing accident at Montclair Avenue in Little Falls, and I was interviewed at that time by EL claim representatives to give a statement. I will say that EL was not at fault, but a husband and wife lost their lives. The details are very clear as if it happened yesterday, but why bring it up. All operating rule books prohibit employees from discussing any details of accidents with anyone other then Company representatives or law enforcement personnel. When we answer the call to report for duty, the potential exists for derailment or death or serious injury. It is just a small part of the stress that professional railroaders live with everyday. Even amongst ourselves, we do not generally discuss it. We don't have to, we know. We all have colleagues who have been killed or injured while performing service. EL was no exception, and they had their share of fatalaties and accidents. John Boehner, Locomotive Engineer/Fireman Passenger/Freight Conductor - Brakeman Yard Foreman/Switchman Past UTU Griever Union Pacific Railroad The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List Sponsored by the ELH&TS http://www.elhts.org ------------------------------
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