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The Train Wreck of the MIDNIGHT FLYER at Winslow Junction, NJ (July 2nd, 1922)

Part-Time Explorer・14 minutes read

The 100th anniversary of the train derailment at Winslow Junction in 1922 highlighted errors in train scheduling and operation, leading to a tragic collision and casualties, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in railway transportation. John Dewald's critical error in directing trains and Walter Wescott's failure to respond to signals were key factors in the investigation, prompting a call for automatic train control devices to prevent future accidents.

Insights

  • The train derailment at Winslow Junction in 1922 involved three trains: a local freight train, the Midnight Flyer express train, and Extra Number 120 heading to Atlantic City, due to a critical error in directing the trains by the towerman, John Dewald.
  • The incident emphasized the necessity of automatic train control systems to prevent similar accidents, revealing the importance of proper operation and response to signals by train engineers, like Walter Wescott, in ensuring passenger safety.

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Recent questions

  • What happened at Winslow Junction on July 2nd, 1922?

    A train derailment occurred, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

  • Who was the towerman involved in the Winslow Junction incident?

    John Dewald made a critical error in directing the trains.

  • What was the Midnight Flyer known for?

    It was known as the fastest 60-minute train globally.

  • Who was primarily blamed for the Winslow Junction incident?

    The Midnight Flyer's engineer, Walter Wescott, was blamed for failing to operate the train correctly.

  • What was the impact of the Winslow Junction incident?

    It highlighted the need for automatic train control devices to prevent similar accidents.

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Summary

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Tragic 1922 Train Derailment at Winslow Junction

  • July 2nd, 2022, marks the 100th anniversary of the train derailment at Winslow Junction, New Jersey, along the Atlantic City line of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad.
  • Atlantic City was evolving into an entertainment hub in 1922, with new shows, clubs, and venues, becoming a resort destination accessible by ferry and train from Philadelphia.
  • The Atlantic City Flyer was a rapid train, known as the fastest 60-minute train globally, with the Midnight Flyer being the late-night service.
  • Three trains were involved in the incident at Winslow Junction: a local freight train, the Midnight Flyer express train, and Extra Number 120 heading to Atlantic City.
  • Due to schedule changes and errors, the Midnight Flyer was mistakenly allowed to continue straight, leading to a collision with the local freight train.
  • The Midnight Flyer, running at 75 miles per hour, derailed on a sharp curve, resulting in fatalities and injuries, causing a power outage in Winslow.
  • Emergency services quickly responded to the crash site, with survivors and injured passengers transported to Atlantic City for medical care.
  • The towerman, John Dewald, made a critical error in directing the trains, leading to the tragic accident, and faced scrutiny during the investigation.
  • The investigation primarily blamed the Midnight Flyer's engineer, Walter Wescott, for failing to operate the train correctly and respond to signals.
  • The incident highlighted the need for automatic train control devices to prevent similar accidents, with the area now quiet and the original tower's foundations still visible.

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Acknowledgments and gratitude for video contributors and viewers.

  • Masela, Zolt, Bognar, Colt, Tanek, Eric, Morang, History Army Productions, Marlo Perez, and Sophie Baber are acknowledged for their contribution to the video.
  • A thank you is extended to the viewers for watching.
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