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White Pass & Yukon tourist train derails in Alaska, injuring nine
So much for the safety record of the narrow gauge industry.
The AP news story (from which this News Wire article was apparently derived) also said that power was restored to the train and it took everyone back to Skagway! That seems unlikely, judging by the photo; my guess is another set of equipment was sent to pick them up…or perhaps buses were used. Another person who commented on that story suggested that the derailment occurred in Canada, making it fall under their jurisdiction.
Jeffrey’
Assure your friend that the once in a lifetime aspect has more to do with your friend’s lifetime than the White Pass’s.
During the cruise line’s seasons, depending on the number of ships in port, it runs trains out of Skagway in a Farthest North version of the LIRR during rush hour at Jamaica.
One June morning, I watched three leave and another was boarding passengers.
They had only 10 locomotives and 2 made an engine for each train.
BTW, that 40 mile roundtrip attaining the the 2800 foot high summit starts on a wharf maybe 15 feet above sea level…I can spell impressive. If you haven’t yet, get your pencil and bucket list and write…
Steam locomotives, too.
Francis, of course. I consider it unlikely they will take another Alaska cruise.
Definitely not in Canada. Seems none of the injuries were serious. I’m just sad because a friend is on a cruise, was supposed to ride that train today. Probably a once in a lifetime chance for this magnificent ride, lost.
The photo looks like the the distinctive shed at the top of White Pass on the American side. It appears the engine split the switch at the summit siding. The rails you see are the siding, and the engine rests between there and the mainline, which is buried in ballast pushed ahead of the plow.
@Bill: Safety and professionalism do not have anything to do with a few inches more or less between the rails. So please stay fair and leave the conclusions to the investigators. Bad things can hit everywhere. Rail is still one of the safest forms of transportation no mater what the gauge.
I was there hours before
Commenters: The AP “made a mistake”? Horrors! Back to the old Erie ‘broad gauge’…
Commenters: The AP “made a mistake”? Horrors! Back to the old Erie ‘broad gauge’…
Commenters: The AP “made a mistake”? Horrors! How is that possible? Back to the old Erie ‘broad gauge’…
Commenters: The AP “made a mistake”? Horrors! Back to the old Erie ‘broad gauge’…
Mr. Moss, thank you for the info.
I rode it just about a year ago, and loved every minute. The cruise lines now have a real shore excursion at Skagway, unlike many of the lame offerings at some cruise stops. The line is wildly successful, and boards trains right across the dock from the Princess ships, with many trains packed with riders. When I rode it, we got a bonus of traveling about eight miles beyond the pass into British Columbia to a balloon track turnaround. I’d feel sad for anyone who took a cruise to access Skagway and then missed the ride.
Finally, a great picture to go with the story.
I pulled an RV to Alaska 15 yrs ago. Skagway and the train trip was an absolute must. I should have stayed in Skagway 2 or 3 days and caught the ferry to Haines. The price was competitive with the fuel I used and save 3 days. You have to see the goings on at the train station, and around town. Next trip I’ll stay in Skagway.
I rode this train last May and it is a great trip…I liked the D&RG
Western more so as it is steam.
I was in Skagway in June and watched the trains come and go from the station. The staff has safety as a high priority. It is also a major employer during cruise season. Sorry to hear this. They are really busy this time of the year.
Had a great trip 7/10/14 to Whitehorse. Loved every minute of it.