Train Carrying BMWs Derails; 120 Ultimate Driving Machines Damaged

The train was carrying 120 BMW SUVs which were to be exported out of the US to go on sale in other international markets.

Published: Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 13:59 [IST]

A train carrying BMW's X-badged SUVs and crossovers from BMW's manufacturing plant in the American state of South Carolina has derailed damaging 120 vehicles.

Train Carrying BMW SUVs Derails; None Injured, 120 SUVs Damaged

Two locomotives along with 12 wagons somehow slipped off the tracks in Jenkinsville, South Carolina on Sunday December 4, 2016, damaging 120 Bavarian 'ultimate driving machines' in the process.

Two members of the train's crew were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation but were discharged later in the day. The two locomotives and four of the wagons were later re-railed, however, the other eight wagons were too damaged to be used again.

BMW issued a statement about the crash "On Sunday afternoon, 12 Norfolk Southern rail cars derailed as BMW X models were traveling by rail to the Port of Charleston for export overseas. About 120 BMWs have been damaged as a result of the derailment. BMW personnel are traveling to the scene and will assess the damage to these 120 BMWs. We will continue to work with Norfolk Southern in this situation to assess the damages."

It is still not known why the train derailed, but clean up operations ensured that the line was open and running by late Monday evening.

While most of the cars are too damaged, we do hope that BMW manages to repair a few vehicles, so that they can indeed go and help their owners brag about driving an ultimate driving machine.