History and mysteries · Paulsboro and Mantua Creek
Paulsboro: the bridge that moved beneath a train (2012)
Documented history · Source reviewed
The final investigation corrected a familiar description of the wreck and identified failures in both railway and emergency procedures.
A red signal and an unlocked span
On November 30, 2012, a Conrail crew could not obtain a green signal at the Paulsboro movable bridge. After an inspection incorrectly concluded that the span was locked, the dispatcher authorized the train to proceed under company rules.
The bridge rotated under the train because its locking mechanism was not fully engaged. Seven cars derailed, and a tank released about 20,000 gallons of vinyl chloride. The NTSB expressly found that the bridge was structurally sound and had not collapsed.
Two connected failures
The board attributed the accident to the decision to proceed and a qualification program that had not prepared the crew to inspect the locks. Repeated bridge malfunctions had not produced adequate risk controls.
The final report also found that failure to follow established hazardous-materials protocols worsened the consequences for responders and the community. That is a separate finding from what derailed the train: the initial mechanical movement and the subsequent exposure required different corrective measures.
Sources and research limits
NTSB RAR-14/01, executive summary and probable cause. The full hearing transcript was not re-audited.