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September 11 (1950) "Tragedy of the 109th"
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Author:  Steamtown Volunteer [ Tue Nov 12, 2002 12:32 am ]
Post subject:  September 11 (1950) "Tragedy of the 109th"
Obviously, September 11 will always be more infamous for the travesty that occurred in 2001.

Unfortunately, another travesty, perhaps more preventable-occurred on the same day in 1950.

However, tonight a PBS affiliate, WVIA Channel 44 aired a documentary called "tragedy of the 109th" about a wreck that occurred that day so many years ago and killed 33 members of the 109th field artillery, when their stalled PRR train was hit by another train in Coshocton Ohio.

The documentary includes interviews with survivors and rescuers as well as vintage photos/footage of the recovery effort as well as the funeral ceremonies as well as a brief glimpse of Ohio Central 1551 (which seemed to be involved in a tribute to the victims-phone rang during that part, maybe somebody from OCRR can confirm) and a sobering reminder.

The engineer of the train that hit the stalled train (who had a flawed record) intentionally disregarded warning flairs placed behind the stalled train.

Since channel 44 has a fairly wide coverage area-I thought I'd mention it here. Worth seeing, if for no other reason than to remember running trains is a serious business with potentially lethal consequences and no room for disregarding the rules.

If I can find a re-air time, I'll post it here.
Author:  Greg Scholl [ Tue Nov 12, 2002 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: September 11 (1950) "Tragedy of the 109th" *PIC*
A couple corrections. The incident was just east of West Lafayette, which is about 10 miles east of Coshocton. There is a nice memorial there in the middle of West Lafayette next to the tracks.
In our video "6325 Return to Steam" the engine was photographed on a break-in run passing the site. We were there ironically on Sept 12, 2001, right after the Twin Towers attacks.
Last October 6th, the 6325 hauled a 50's freight and the photo stop was made at the fill where the incident took place, and a small white cross is next to the railroad.
I was not aware of the TV program but it sounds interesting.
Greg Scholl

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Author:  John Craft [ Tue Nov 12, 2002 1:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Location *PIC*
> A couple corrections. The incident was just
> east of West Lafayette, which is about 10
> miles east of Coshocton. There is a nice
> memorial there in the middle of West
> Lafayette next to the tracks.

Here is a photo taken last month at the location of the accident.

JAC

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