Montana Derailment Crisis: Difference between revisions

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This event is seen as the catalyst of the [[CGTR Safety Strikes of 1976]], as the event spiraled into an attempt to prompt the [[Central Gateway Turtle Railroad]] to take safety more seriously. According to investigations on the incident, the event could have been predicted if the area had better safety precautions.
This event is seen as the catalyst of the [[CGTR Safety Strikes of 1976]], as the event spiraled into an attempt to prompt the [[Central Gateway Turtle Railroad]] to take safety more seriously. According to investigations on the incident, the event could have been predicted if the area had better safety precautions.
== Background ==
In the mid-1970s, the Central Gateway Turtle Railroad operated a infrequently used line traversing through the Rocky Mountains in Montana. This particular route was primarily used for small trips within the general vicinity, and wasn’t subjected to many maintenance practices. Therefore, it remained relatively underutilized compared to more prominent lines on the railroad.
Due to the geographical location of this line, it was in an area known for its susceptibility to landslides, which is especially typical for mountainous areas such as the Rockies. Despite being aware of the inherent risks involved in operating within such terrain, the CGTR did not prioritize the implementation of safety measures to mitigate the potential threat of landslides encroaching onto the tracks.
Due to the low usage of the line, and perhaps a lack of perceived urgency, there was a lack of proactive action by the CGTR, the line remained susceptible to the looming threat of landslides. Without the proper safeguards in place, the risk of landslides causing damage or even safety concerns to the track and infrastructure in the area.

Revision as of 21:29, 4 March 2024

Montana Derailment Crisis
Details
Date24 July 1976; 48 years ago (1976-07-24)
11:47 AM
LocationRocky Mountains, Montana
Country United States
OperatorCentral Gateway Turtle Railroad
Incident typeDerailment
CauseLandslide
Statistics
Trains1
Crew3
Deaths3
Damage1 ALCO C630

The Montana Derailment Crisis was a railway accident that occured on July 24, 1976 (1976-07-24), in the Rocky Mountains, Montana, when a CGTR train being led by engine #4417, a ALCO C630, would be struck by a landslide, resulting in the deaths of all 3 crew members—Gabe Santiago, Rebecca Lloyd, and Will McBride.

This event is seen as the catalyst of the CGTR Safety Strikes of 1976, as the event spiraled into an attempt to prompt the Central Gateway Turtle Railroad to take safety more seriously. According to investigations on the incident, the event could have been predicted if the area had better safety precautions.

Background

In the mid-1970s, the Central Gateway Turtle Railroad operated a infrequently used line traversing through the Rocky Mountains in Montana. This particular route was primarily used for small trips within the general vicinity, and wasn’t subjected to many maintenance practices. Therefore, it remained relatively underutilized compared to more prominent lines on the railroad.

Due to the geographical location of this line, it was in an area known for its susceptibility to landslides, which is especially typical for mountainous areas such as the Rockies. Despite being aware of the inherent risks involved in operating within such terrain, the CGTR did not prioritize the implementation of safety measures to mitigate the potential threat of landslides encroaching onto the tracks.

Due to the low usage of the line, and perhaps a lack of perceived urgency, there was a lack of proactive action by the CGTR, the line remained susceptible to the looming threat of landslides. Without the proper safeguards in place, the risk of landslides causing damage or even safety concerns to the track and infrastructure in the area.