The Devastating Accident Near New Rockford That Took the Life of Veteran BNSF Maintenance Worker Darrin Polansky, Leaving Railroad Community and Family Mourning; NTSB Launches Comprehensive Investigation into Collision Involving Welder’s Truck
In a tragic accident that has shocked the railroad community and left family and friends in mourning, Darrin Polansky, a 58-year-old maintenance-of-way worker for BNSF Railway from Brainerd, Minnesota, lost his life on Monday, November 4, 2024, when a train collided with the vehicle he was driving. The collision occurred around 11 a.m., roughly 2.5 miles northwest of New Rockford, North Dakota, when the maintenance vehicle Polansky was operating was struck as it backed across the tracks. Polansky’s passenger, Chad Chandler, 53, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, was injured in the crash and was promptly taken to a hospital in Carrington, North Dakota, approximately 20 miles from the accident site.
Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies was one of the first officials to speak publicly about the incident, confirming Polansky’s identity and the details of the accident on Tuesday, November 5. Sheriff Lies reported that Polansky was pronounced dead at the scene following the violent impact, and Chandler’s injuries, though significant, were not life-threatening, with initial reports from the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) indicating that he is expected to make a full recovery.
This devastating incident has spurred the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to launch a full-scale investigation, aimed at understanding the circumstances leading up to the crash and assessing safety protocols that may help prevent similar accidents in the future. Polansky’s passing has deeply affected not only his family and colleagues but also the broader community of railway maintenance workers, who perform vital yet often dangerous tasks on America’s railways.
Details of the Incident: What Happened on November 4th Near New Rockford
The crash that took Polansky’s life unfolded as his maintenance-of-way vehicle, a welder’s truck equipped to handle rail repairs and inspections, was engaged in a routine operation. Maintenance crews such as Polansky and Chandler typically coordinate closely with dispatchers to ensure their safety while performing critical work on or near active tracks. However, on this tragic day, as Polansky was backing the welder’s truck across the railroad tracks, an oncoming train approached rapidly, leading to a collision that left the vehicle severely damaged.
Sheriff Lies reported that while emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, the impact was too severe to save Polansky. Chandler, who survived the collision, was immediately transported to a medical facility for treatment. The details of Chandler’s injuries have not been disclosed, but updates from BMWED suggest that he is on the path to recovery.
In an official statement, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division expressed deep sorrow for the loss of Polansky, describing him as a dedicated family man and a valued member of the BNSF workforce. “The entirety of our Brotherhood sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” BMWED noted in their release. The union also stated that it would support Chandler throughout his recovery process and will continue to advocate for enhanced safety measures to protect maintenance-of-way workers.
Darrin Polansky: A Life Dedicated to Family, Work, and Community Service
Darrin Polansky’s passing leaves a profound gap in the lives of those who knew and loved him. A dedicated BNSF Railway employee with decades of service, Polansky was known for his meticulous attention to safety, professionalism, and commitment to his team. He grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota, where he later raised a family with his wife and two children. Polansky’s coworkers describe him as a man who brought a strong work ethic and infectious optimism to each day, encouraging those around him to take pride in their work and strive for excellence.
Polansky’s family and friends recall him as a gentle, supportive figure who cherished spending time with his loved ones. A devoted husband and father, he spent his off-hours enjoying activities such as fishing, hiking, and family gatherings. His passion for outdoor activities and dedication to his community were apparent to everyone who knew him. Colleagues remember his kindness, noting that Polansky was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether assisting a friend with a home project or mentoring newer employees on the job.
Chad Chandler: A Fellow Maintenance Worker on the Road to Recovery
Chad Chandler, the 53-year-old passenger who survived the accident, is known as a skilled and seasoned maintenance worker, bringing years of experience to the BNSF team. Hailing from Baldwin, Wisconsin, Chandler has worked alongside Polansky for several years, sharing in the demanding and often hazardous responsibilities of railway maintenance. Chandler’s survival is seen as a miracle by friends and family, though he faces a period of recovery and rehabilitation. BMWED has indicated that they will stand by Chandler, ensuring he has the resources and support needed during his recovery.
The union’s leaders and members across the nation have reached out to offer their condolences to both the Polansky and Chandler families, uniting in solidarity over the shared sorrow and commitment to pushing for improved safety measures for all railway workers. Chandler’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and encouragement they have received from the community, noting that his strength and resilience have been bolstered by the many well-wishers.
Examining the Dangers Faced by Maintenance-of-Way Workers
Maintenance-of-way workers like Polansky and Chandler play a vital role in the safety and functionality of America’s railroads. Tasked with inspecting, repairing, and maintaining rail tracks, these workers are crucial to the day-to-day operations that keep freight and passenger trains moving smoothly across the country. Yet, this critical work comes with significant risks, as employees are often required to operate on or near active rail lines.
Polansky’s role involved the use of a welder’s truck—a specialized maintenance vehicle outfitted to perform tasks such as welding and track repairs. Such vehicles are designed for maneuvering along the rail tracks, but they lack the speed and agility necessary to quickly clear tracks in emergency situations. Accidents involving maintenance-of-way vehicles underscore the inherent danger of this line of work and highlight the need for strict safety protocols and improved technology to safeguard those who work along the railways.
According to industry standards, maintenance crews are required to coordinate closely with train dispatchers, establishing “safe zones” where they can work without interference from passing trains. It remains unclear whether a lapse in communication, visibility issues, or another factor contributed to the accident that claimed Polansky’s life. The NTSB’s investigation will likely focus on these aspects, along with a close analysis of the vehicle’s condition, track visibility, and train approach procedures.
The NTSB’s Role: Investigating and Preventing Future Tragedies
In the aftermath of this devastating incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the collision and recommend improvements to safety standards. The NTSB’s investigative process includes gathering evidence from the accident scene, interviewing witnesses and involved personnel, analyzing available data, and assessing environmental factors that may have played a role.
In addition, the NTSB will review protocols for operating welder’s trucks and other maintenance vehicles on active tracks. This review may involve examining the specific design and safety features of these vehicles, assessing their visibility and maneuverability, and determining whether additional safety enhancements are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The final NTSB report, which can take months to complete, will likely contain recommendations aimed at preventing such tragedies from happening again. Railroad companies, regulatory agencies, and labor unions will closely follow the investigation’s findings, anticipating new guidelines and possible changes to training, equipment, and communication practices to protect maintenance-of-way workers.
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division: Honoring Darrin Polansky’s Legacy and Advocating for Safety
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), the union representing railway maintenance workers, has been vocal about the need for increased safety measures to protect workers. In the wake of Polansky’s death, the BMWED has doubled down on its calls for improvements to ensure that maintenance personnel can perform their duties without risking their lives.
BMWED’s tribute to Polansky, shared widely on social media and union platforms, honors his years of dedication and his contributions to the railway industry. “Darrin’s passing is a profound loss, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” the BMWED stated. Union leaders also expressed their commitment to advocating for more robust safety protocols, with specific focus on improving communications between maintenance crews and train dispatchers and enhancing vehicle safety features.
The union is also coordinating support for Polansky’s family, helping to arrange assistance as they cope with this tragic loss. Members from across the country have expressed their condolences, with many sharing stories of Polansky’s kindness and dedication to his work.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action for Improved Railway Safety
As the investigation continues, Polansky’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by railway maintenance workers and the importance of ensuring their safety. Safety advocates and industry leaders are calling for renewed focus on technological advancements that could help prevent similar tragedies, such as enhanced alert systems, automated track-clearance signals, and improved training for both maintenance crews and train operators.
The memory of Darrin Polansky—a devoted father, husband, friend, and colleague—will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As the BNSF Railway community and the broader railroad industry mourn his loss, there is a shared commitment to honor his legacy by working to make railway maintenance a safer profession for all. The family, friends, and coworkers he leaves behind hope that his passing will inspire meaningful change, reducing the risks for future generations of maintenance workers and helping to create a safer environment for all who travel and work on America’s railways.
