FYI: A Nebraska teenager is accused of deliberately causing a train derailment to garner online attention.
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### Nebraska Teen Allegedly Initiates Train Derailment for Online Fame
A troubling incident has emerged from Bennett, Nebraska, involving a teenage boy accused of tampering with train tracks, which led to a significant derailment. Authorities have yet to release the boy’s name, but the event has sparked a mix of shock and investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding the catastrophe.
#### Tampering with Tracks
On April 21, a BNSF Railway train derailed in Bennett due to what investigators later determined was a manipulated switch. The derailment involved two locomotives and five loaded train cars, one of which struck a stationary coal truck, causing approximately $350,000 in damages.
#### The Intent Behind the Incident
According to NBC News, the teenager was present at the scene and notified authorities about the derailment. Upon their arrival, he inquired about the accident’s cause, creating an air of curiosity and concern. It was later discovered that the boy had a working understanding of the railway switches and likely tampered with them to set the derailment in motion.
#### Online Footage and Evidence
In the aftermath of the derailment, footage was posted online by a YouTube channel associated with the boy, showing the destruction he had caused. This was corroborated by investigators’ findings of a tripod set up at the scene just minutes before the incident.
Authorities seized the boy’s cellphone and video camera, accessing footage that supported their suspicions. The investigative report indicated that the boy’s advanced knowledge of the railway switches played a crucial role in the event’s orchestration.
#### Legal Repercussions
The local law enforcement officials have charged the teenager with criminal damage, which could result in a $5,000 fine. However, the severity of his actions has prompted Lancaster County prosecutors to consider transferring the case to adult court, where he may face significantly harsher penalties.
The documentation revealed that the teenager not only tampered with the switches but also filmed the accident, demonstrating premeditation. His acknowledgment of the errant switch further cemented his involvement in the eyes of investigators.
#### Broader Context of Train Derailments
While this incident captures significant media attention due to its deliberate nature, train derailments, whether intentional or accidental, are not uncommon in the United States. Just last week, another runaway train incident led to it crashing into a garage amidst a derailment streak that has affected several towns nationwide.
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Donald Smith, Editor
Automotive.fyi
