The Wreck of the Red Arrow

The Wreck of the Red Arrow was a train derailment that occurred on February 18, 1947. The Red Arrow passenger train derailed in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania at a sharply approached curve, known as Bennington Curve, while descending in icy conditions. The accident would result in 24 deaths.^[1]

The Pennsylvania Railroad train No. 68, better known as the Red Arrow, was hauled by two K4 locomotives and operated between Detroit and New York City. The train consisted of 14 cars that were meant for carrying and accommodating passengers, baggage, and mail. Besides the Red Arrow, a secondary locomotive was also used to haul the cars. ^[2]

The train started its route in Detroit, Michigan at around 8:30 am of February 17th. The main engineer of this trip was Michael S. Bilig, who was an experienced worker with over 25 years of experience with the Pennsylvania Railroad.^[3]

At some time early in the morning, around 3 am, the Red Arrow had entered a patch of track near Altoona, Pennsylvania, known as the Bennington Curve. The weather conditions were icy and cold.^[3]

The area of track known as Bennington Curve is a horseshoe curved patch of track that lies in the Allegheny Mountains. Before entering this curve, engineers would routinely stop to ensure that they sufficient brake power before proceeding. The Red Arrow complied with rule and came to a complete stop, then continued its trek into this section of rail.^[3] The speed limit when descending was listed as 30 mph.^[1]

As the Red Arrow descended down the slope, Bilig peeked out the window of his cabin while descending. Bilig realized that the Red Arrow was gaining too much speed and applied the air brakes, but the train eventually reached a speed of around 65 to 70 mph.^[3]

Once it reached Bennington Curve, the derailment was inevitable. The Red Arrow tipped over and slid down an embankment, taking the second engine with it. 11 of the railroad cars also jumped track with 5 of them also sliding down the embankment and careening into each other.^[2]

The result of the wreck was an immediate sight of twisted steel and carnage. Thousands of pieces of mail were scattered along the hillside and many of the passengers were trapped in the overturned carriages.^[2]

Because of the remote location of the crash, ambulances, fire crews, and other rescue teams were forced to hike on foot to access the scene. Many of the victims succumbed to their injuries after being extracted from the wreck while rescuers were carrying them back to the main roads.^[2]

In the following days, postal workers were also sent to this site to painstakingly retrieve all items of lost mail that were scattered along the mountainside.^[3]

A total of 24 people were killed in the wreck. A further 138 were injured in the accident. With emergency centers being too far away, makeshift hospitals were created in the Penn Alto Hotel and the United Service Organization's Canteen. These would operate as the initial care sites, but also as temporary morgues.^[2]

Of the 4 crewmen of the two front engines, Bilig would be the only survivor, having been flung out of the cabin as the train began to topple. An additional 6 crew members were killed, with the other 15 fatalities all being passengers. The majority of passenger fatalities would come from an overcrowded passenger and baggage combine car; during recovery efforts, it was nicknamed "the death car".^[3]

On February 28th, just ten days after the main derailment, another train was passing through this location when a second tragedy struck. The rear Pullman car of the locomotive 'Sunshine Special' came loose and started descending the curve without any means of braking. It would derail at the same location as the Red Arrow, killing 1 and injuring another 12.^[2]

Bilig had initially testified that he had taken all appropriate precautions and that the train had struck an obstacle on the tracks which caused this derailment. However, the investigation into this matter showed there was no signs that this had happened. A further interview with Bilig revealed what is likely the actual cause.^[3]

As the train had descended down the incline, the throttle was supposed to be shut allowing the train to idle down the slope with the help of its brakes. However (engineer) likely didn't realize that the throttle was partly opened, which meant the train was producing additional speed besides the additional speed being caused by the gravity of the slope mixed with the icy conditions on the rails. Bilig would be found at fault for the accident, but no criminal charges were ever filed. Bilig ultimately remained with the company until his retirement.^[4]

The image of the Pennsylvania was greatly affected by this wreck and the secondary derailment. By 1960, the Red Arrow was no longer in use.^[2] The Railroaders Memorial Museum, created in 1980, has served to educate the public and preserve artifacts related to the history of this disaster.^[5]

• McIlnay, Dennis P. (2010). The Wreck of the Red Arrow: An American Train Tragedy (1st ed.). Seven Oaks Press. ISBN 978-0977980536.