Re: Wreck on the UP about 9 years ago?
Author: GRD
Date: 06-03-2020 - 11:12
Don't remember the exact details or who was at fault, but somehow the J yard hauler westbound struck the eastbound Kaiser job who was shoving their cut from Kaiser Yard to the receiving yard at West Colton. ( I believe the J Yard passed a red signal) This all happened between Sierra and South Fontana next to the 10 freeway and it was dark. The Conductor and Brakeman of the Kaiser job were able to jump off and were only slightly injured. The engineer of the J Yard got out the back door but unfortunately, the Conductor was trapped in the cab. A surgical team was brought from Arrowhead RMC and the Conductors arm had to be amputated to free him from the cab. He was a newer hire and had only been with the company a short time, I'm guessing only a couple of years. A sad and tragic way to end your new career. After this incident, no more shoving to West Colton.