| By: | Bob Hasty |
| Dates: | 9/3/1948 - 9/3/1948 |
| Album Info: | Southern Birmingham Division local train first 56, Eng 6624, and Mobile Division train X4586 had a head on collision at Burstall, Al. 14 miles south of Birmingham. 1st 56 had 43 loads, 1 empty, 2601 tons; X4586 south had 14 loads, 8 empties, 873 tons. The collision happened at 1230am, when 1st 56 did not or could not stop for a signal given by the leverman at AX tower (Burstall). X4586 south was crossing over on double track and about to take the diverging route to the Mobile Division (now known as the 3B line). Apparently, 1st 56 was running withe the air cut out on the train and when the engineer went to apply the brakes, nothing happened. It was determined to be his fault, though and he was dismissed. |
