Montana Derailment Crisis
| Montana Derailment Crisis | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Date | 24 July 1976 11:47 AM |
| Location | Rocky Mountains, Montana |
| Country |  United States |
| Operator | Central Gateway Turtle Railroad |
| Incident type | Derailment |
| Cause | Landslide |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 1 |
| Crew | 3 |
| Deaths | 3 |
| Damage | 1 ALCO C630 |
The Montana Derailment Crisis was a railway accident that occured on July 24, 1976, 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.
Accident
On the day of July 24th, 1976, CGTR #4417 would be operating on this line through the Rockies. The crew of this locomotive would consist of engineer Gabe Santiago, brakeman Will McBride, and conductor Rebecca Lloyd. At about 11:00 AM, the locomotive would begin to climb up the Rocky Mountains on its way to its destination of Helana, Montana.
The locomotive departed from the city of Billings, Montana, at around 8:30 going an average speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) throughout the trip.