In a tragic accident that has sent shockwaves through the railroad community, 58-year-old Darrin Polansky, a dedicated BNSF maintenance worker from Brainerd, Minnesota, was killed on Monday, November 4, 2024, when the maintenance-of-way vehicle he was operating was struck by an oncoming train in Eddy County, North Dakota. The collision occurred around 11 a.m., approximately 2.5 miles northwest of New Rockford. According to Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies, the vehicle was hit while backing across a railroad track. Tragically, Polansky was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Chad Chandler, 53, from Baldwin, Wisconsin, suffered injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital in Carrington, North Dakota. Although the full extent of Chandler’s injuries remains unknown, reports indicate that he is expected to recover.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident, citing a need to understand the circumstances that led to the fatal collision. Polansky was operating a welder’s truck at the time, a specialized vehicle used in rail maintenance work that is typically equipped to handle various repair tasks on tracks. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), the labor union representing Polansky, issued a statement mourning the loss and offering condolences to Polansky’s family, which includes his wife and two children. The union also extended its support to Chandler, expressing hope for his swift recovery.
Incident Details: How the Tragic Collision Unfolded
On a quiet morning near New Rockford, the BNSF maintenance-of-way crew was conducting routine work along a section of railway, ensuring tracks were safe and well-maintained for the busy traffic that traverses North Dakota’s rail lines. Polansky, an experienced worker with decades of service, was behind the wheel of a specialized welder’s truck—a vehicle equipped to perform essential repairs and maintenance on rail infrastructure. His passenger, Chad Chandler, another seasoned maintenance employee, was assisting with operations.
Around 11 a.m., tragedy struck. According to Sheriff Paul Lies, Polansky was backing the vehicle across the tracks when an approaching train collided with it. The force of the impact was devastating. Emergency responders were summoned immediately, but despite their swift arrival, Polansky succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Chandler was critically injured and transported to a hospital in Carrington, about 20 miles away, where he remains under medical care.
The incident has prompted sorrow and concern within the railroad community, as questions arise over how such a tragic accident could have occurred. Authorities are currently reviewing operational protocols, environmental factors, and the visibility of the vehicle to the approaching train as part of their investigation.
Remembering Darrin Polansky: A Dedicated Worker and Family Man
Darrin Polansky’s passing has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and coworkers. A dedicated worker who spent his life ensuring the safety and functionality of rail infrastructure, Polansky was well-regarded by his colleagues. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he was described as a “reliable and hardworking professional” by those who worked alongside him. Originally from Brainerd, Minnesota, Polansky was not only committed to his work but also to his family, including his wife and two children. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, the union that represents railway maintenance workers, expressed deep sadness over the loss of one of its own, saying, “The entirety of our Brotherhood sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Friends and neighbors recall Polansky as a dedicated family man with a passion for outdoor activities, often enjoying fishing trips and community events with his children. He was known to lend a helping hand to those in need, frequently assisting neighbors with home projects or offering a listening ear to friends.
Chad Chandler: Recovering from Injuries
Chad Chandler, Polansky’s colleague and passenger during the collision, was fortunate to survive the accident but sustained significant injuries. Originally from Baldwin, Wisconsin, Chandler is known in the railroad community as a skilled and dependable maintenance worker who has spent many years serving alongside Polansky. While the exact nature of his injuries has not been disclosed, Chandler is currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Carrington. His family, colleagues, and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division have rallied around him, offering support and hopeful messages for his recovery. The BMWED has issued statements encouraging Chandler and affirming the union’s commitment to supporting him and his family as he heals.
The Role of Maintenance-of-Way Workers: An Essential, Yet Often Risky Job
Maintenance-of-way workers, like Polansky and Chandler, are crucial to the safety and operation of America’s railway system. Their tasks include inspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks, ensuring trains can travel safely and smoothly. However, these duties are not without risk. Maintenance-of-way employees often work in close proximity to active rail lines and, in many cases, must operate specialized vehicles on the tracks themselves. This proximity to moving trains can be hazardous, as evidenced by the tragic collision near New Rockford.
Polansky’s welder’s truck is a specialized maintenance vehicle equipped with tools for repairing damaged tracks, welding joints, and maintaining infrastructure. While these vehicles are essential for railway upkeep, they often lack the maneuverability and speed to quickly move off the tracks when trains approach. According to safety protocols, maintenance crews typically coordinate with dispatchers and train operators to ensure safe operation on active lines. The NTSB’s investigation will likely examine whether communication or visibility factors played a role in the collision, as well as the positioning of the vehicle when the train approached.
NTSB Investigation: Seeking Answers to a Devastating Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed investigators to the scene and announced its commitment to thoroughly examining the accident’s circumstances. The NTSB’s investigative team will focus on key questions, including the positioning of the vehicle, timing, and communication between maintenance crews and train operators. It is standard procedure for the NTSB to look at factors such as weather conditions, equipment functionality, and adherence to safety protocols in cases involving transportation accidents.
The NTSB has also confirmed that it will examine the design and operational guidelines for welder’s trucks, assessing whether the vehicle’s specifications contributed to the inability to clear the tracks in time. Additionally, investigators will interview witnesses, review track and train operator logs, and analyze any available video footage from the train’s cameras to reconstruct the timeline of events. The final NTSB report, which may take several months to complete, will outline findings and offer recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Reactions from the Railroad Community and Safety Advocates
The incident has highlighted the potential dangers that railroad maintenance workers face on a daily basis. Labor organizations, including the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, have voiced their concern over the need for improved safety measures. The union, while mourning Polansky’s loss, has emphasized the importance of providing workers with additional training and equipment to better handle high-risk situations on active rail lines.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Darrin’s family,” the BMWED said in a statement. “Railroad workers put their lives on the line every day, and we are committed to advocating for the strongest safety protocols to protect our members.” The union has pledged to work closely with regulatory agencies to push for improvements that may prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
Rail safety advocates have also echoed these calls, noting that technology such as automatic warning systems and enhanced communication tools could play a significant role in preventing future collisions between trains and maintenance vehicles. As the industry and regulators work to improve safety, this tragic accident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with railway maintenance work and the need for robust protocols to safeguard those who perform these essential jobs.
Honoring Darrin Polansky’s Legacy and Looking Toward Change
As Darrin Polansky’s family and friends come to terms with his sudden and tragic passing, the railroad community reflects on the sacrifices made by those who work behind the scenes to keep trains running safely. Polansky’s dedication and service to BNSF exemplify the commitment of railroad maintenance workers across the country, who perform critical tasks under challenging and often hazardous conditions.
To honor Polansky’s life and work, BNSF and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division are considering organizing a memorial service, allowing his colleagues and community to pay their respects. The service will likely include a tribute to his years of dedication, a ceremony to commemorate his legacy, and messages from loved ones, colleagues, and representatives from the railroad industry.
As the NTSB investigation progresses, safety advocates and the railroad community hope that the findings will lead to policy changes aimed at improving working conditions for maintenance employees. For now, the memory of Darrin Polansky, a devoted worker, family man, and respected colleague, will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him.
