(AP UPI) May 15, 2012 A high speed intermodal train collided with a pedestrian overpass in Roseville this afternoon with massive damage to the structure and
likely fatalities. Authorities determined that the pedestrian overpass was poorly designed by local engineer Eliot Scher and, due to inadequate clearance,
was struct by the high speed train. The overpass was carried more than 1/4 mile down the track with bodies strewn over an expanse of several hundred yards.
Horrified onlookers described the catastrophic wreck to local police. One witness, Willy Catchum, said, "I seen this here train a comin' real fast and then, wham, there goes the overpass and people screamin'. I run down to the station and I could see a couple of folks who was on that overpass get clean dragged away."
Authorities were questioning the engineer and the conductor. It will be days before the wreckage is cleared and all families notified of deaths and injuries. The line is likely to be shut for days. The railroad did not allow reporters to the scene and police barricades were immediately erected to keep onlookers out. Any witnesses to the accident are encouraged to contact authorities. Mr. Scher, who was, reportedly, near the scene, said he was really certain that when the overpass was rebuilt, it would be high enough for Intermodal traffic. Mr. Scher was quoted as saying, "Look, when I derailed the #765, there were no injuries and I am hopeful that no one will be permanently hurt in this accident. I really thought the overpass was high enough. My Legacy controller did not warn me of the impending crash and, I really think Lionel should take the brunt of the blame here. I tested the overpass when the Big Boy steamed through. That should have been enough !"
Mr. Scher was last seen in a police cruiser writing an article for OGR on how to build pedestrian overpasses. Allan Miller, Editor of O Gauge Railroading Magazine declined comment. Mr. Rich Melvin, President of O Gauge Magazine had this to say, "Mr. Scher was drummed out of the state of Indiana after the #765 incident and I am not surprised that he is in the middle of this mess."
