# Crazy idiot derails train in LA for crazy idiot conspiracy "reasons" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 2, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846 "2020-04-02T00:21:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/41 "2020-04-02T18:02:52Z")
That engineer must have been a fan of the movie [_Silver Streak_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qPAOarQxaU). In all seriousness, though, it’s fortunate he didn’t take out one of the supports of that freeway overpass. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/42 "2020-04-02T18:43:26Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > So [this appears to be the spot.](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Port+of+Los+Angeles/@33.7494372,-118.2797663,428m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x80dd37ae652ef523:0xd88f6472b07283a5!8m2!3d33.7365401!4d-118.264982?hl=en) He managed to get the locomotive 300 feet past the end of the line. That’s pretty impressive, but he still had another 900 feet to go before he could have hoped to make contact with the ship. Are we really sure this wasn’t just a publicity stunt by Steven Seagal to get funding to film the spec script for _Under Siege 3_ [that he’s been floating around since 2016](http://www.manlymovie.net/2016/10/news-on-under-siege-3.html) where he has to fight terrorists on a train that crashed into a ship? Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/43 "2020-04-02T19:15:51Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > That engineer must have been a fan of the movie [_Silver Streak_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qPAOarQxaU). > > In all seriousness, though, it’s fortunate he didn’t take out one of the supports of that freeway overpass. Also fortunate that none of the cars he hit was occupied. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/44 "2020-04-02T19:48:31Z")
"Train wreckin’ " not only is a crime, it’s a federal crime. 18 U.S. Code § 1992. Terrorist attacks and other violence against railroad carriers —Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection ©, k **nowingly and without lawful authority or permission** — (1) **wrecks, derails** , sets fire to, or disables railroad on-track equipment or a mass transportation vehicle; So… So when you put pennies on the track, thinking they might derail the train, and your father grounds you, and you cry “DAD! Why are you making a Federal case out of this?”, it actually is! ---
**Author:** ![StarvingButStrong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/starvingbutstrong/32/335_2.png) [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/45 "2020-04-02T19:53:00Z")
Was anyone else disappointed that it was only the engine? In my mind’s eye I was picturing a whole string of cars… ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/46 "2020-04-02T20:09:30Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Are we really sure this wasn’t just a publicity stunt by Steven Seagal to get funding to film the spec script for _Under Siege 3_ [that he’s been floating around since 2016](http://www.manlymovie.net/2016/10/news-on-under-siege-3.html) where he has to fight terrorists on a train that crashed into a ship? Can’t be. He wants _3_ to take place in Russia. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/47 "2020-04-02T20:35:27Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Yeah the guy is nuts. But… What? What was he trying to accomplish? … Imagine a speeding train leaping over a stretch of water and slamming into a huge ship. All subsequent cars disappearing into the same hole. The stuff of legend. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/48 "2020-04-02T20:37:56Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > Was anyone else disappointed that it was only the engine? In my mind’s eye I was picturing a whole string of cars… Uh, yeah. Me too. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/49 "2020-04-02T21:43:58Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Can’t be. He wants _3_ to take place in Russia. Close enough. We already have a Russian president. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/50 "2020-04-02T21:44:10Z")
Jumped the train. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/51 "2020-04-02T22:29:01Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > Was anyone else disappointed that it was only the engine? In my mind’s eye I was picturing a whole string of cars… Engine + 1 container car, it looks like. It’s sitting next to the engine. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/52 "2020-04-02T22:40:31Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Yes, as charges you can have against you go, that has to be one of the most bad-ass. If they convict him, you can be sure he was railroaded! ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/53 "2020-04-02T22:41:20Z")
> [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](#): > > "Train wreckin’ " not only is a crime, it’s a federal crime. Then, CFSG can pardon him. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2020, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/54 "2020-04-02T23:53:55Z")
> [@Guest-starring\_Id](#): > > Jumped the train. Maybe he was trying to [jump a shark](https://youtu.be/gWENaZN7bMM). Stranger ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/55 "2020-04-03T00:32:19Z")
> [@KarlGauss](#): > > If they convict him, you can be sure he was railroaded! He tried to ride himself out of town a on a rail. He was thinking outside the boxcar. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/56 "2020-04-03T01:29:36Z")
But in 1885, the train tracks _went all the way out to the ship_ ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/57 "2020-04-03T01:51:08Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Hmmm…the Republicans may have found someone to replace Mike Pence as trump’s running mate… I was going to say “Trump voter”, but you’re right, talent like that needs to part of the administration. Maybe he can be appointed head of HHS to manage both Obamacare reforms and the COVID-19 crisis. If he’s willing to kiss Trump’s ass with sufficient dedication, he’s perfect for any Cabinet post, but health services would be ideal. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/58 "2020-04-03T03:45:35Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > I was going to say “Trump voter”, but you’re right, talent like that needs to part of the administration. Maybe he can be appointed head of HHS to manage both Obamacare reforms and the COVID-19 crisis. If he’s willing to kiss Trump’s ass with sufficient dedication, he’s perfect for any Cabinet post, but health services would be ideal. I’m thinking Department of Transportation. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/59 "2020-04-03T04:34:59Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Maybe he was trying to [jump a shark](https://youtu.be/gWENaZN7bMM). > > Stranger You, sir, are fortunate to have been on a different train at the time. ---
**Author:** ![CurtC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce73a5/32.png) [@CurtC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurtC)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846/60 "2020-04-03T04:52:51Z")
I saw this incident on my news feed this morning, and clicked to a story on the Fox News web site. Then I scrolled down to the comments. About half of them were speculating that this guy was an illegal alien, apparently based on his name and nothing else. Another 30% were ridiculing how stupid libs are. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idiot-derails-train-in-la-for-crazy-idiot-conspiracy-reasons/850846.md?page=4)