Tragedy on the Rails
An in-depth examination of Amtrak's first fatal accident, the 1971 Salem, Illinois derailment, exploring its causes, investigation, and aftermath.
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Overview
Date and Time
The catastrophic derailment of Amtrak's City of New Orleans passenger train occurred on June 10, 1971, at approximately 12:30 P.M. Central Time.
Location
The incident took place near the unincorporated community of Tonti, Illinois, close to Salem, Illinois. This location was significant as it involved a crossover on the Illinois Central Railroad line.
The Train
Amtrak's City of New Orleans, operating between Chicago and New Orleans, was composed of 15 cars, including baggage, coach, diner, lounge, and combination service cars. It was pulled by four Illinois Central EMD E-unit locomotives.
Significance
This event marked Amtrak's first fatal accident since its assumption of most intercity passenger rail operations in the United States on May 1, 1971. The incident resulted in significant loss of life and injuries.
The Accident Unfolds
Locomotive Malfunction
The lead locomotive, Illinois Central EMD E8A #4031, manufactured in 1952, experienced a critical mechanical failure. The #2 engine within this locomotive ceased functioning during the southbound journey from Chicago. Although it appeared operational after a crew change in Champaign, Illinois, the underlying issue persisted.
The Derailment Event
As the train traversed a crossover switch near Tonti, Illinois, the compromised lead locomotive, #4031, derailed. The severity of the incident was compounded by the second locomotive, #4109, catching fire and being completely destroyed. The first six cars of the train, including the baggage car and five coaches, were also destroyed.
Human Cost
The catastrophic derailment resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives. An additional 163 passengers sustained injuries. Tragically, six of the fatalities occurred when passengers were ejected through the large side windows of the damaged cars.
Investigation Findings
Identifying the Mechanical Fault
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation pinpointed a seized axle bearing on the rear truck of locomotive #4031 as the primary cause. This failure led to the development of significant flat spots on the wheels, causing them to slide rather than rotate.
The False Flange Phenomenon
The locked wheels, sliding along the rails, created what is known as a "false flange." This condition mimicked the profile of a normal wheel flange but lacked its structural integrity and proper guiding function. When this compromised wheel encountered the switch at the Tonti crossover, it initiated the derailment.
Disabling Safety Indicators
Further analysis revealed that a previous mechanical issue on locomotive #4031, involving shutting down the #2 engine and locking its reverser in neutral for a trip to Chicago, had inadvertently disabled the wheel slip indicator. This critical safety device normally alerts engineers to sliding wheels, but its malfunction meant the crew was unaware of the developing hazard.
Aftermath and Recommendations
NTSB Recommendations
Based on the investigation, the NTSB issued critical safety recommendations. These included enhancing the reliability and detection capabilities of wheel-slip devices on locomotives, improving pre-departure testing procedures for rolling stock, and urging the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop safety standards addressing passenger ejection through windows during accidents.
Ongoing Investigations
In a poignant development, a journalist student from the University of Missouri initiated efforts around 2025 to identify an unknown victim from the crash. Exhumation revealed multiple remains, potentially including a child, within the grave of the single unidentified decedent. The DNA Doe Project has since joined this ongoing investigation, seeking to bring closure to these long-unidentified individuals.
Notes on Nomenclature
Train Naming and Numbering
During the period between May 1, 1971, and November 14, 1971, Amtrak operated trains without official names, using the numbers assigned by their previous operators. This specific train, previously known as Illinois Central's City of New Orleans, was officially designated as Amtrak #1. Subsequently, Amtrak replaced this service with the Panama Limited in November 1971.
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Important Notice
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